Major renovations at Whelan Park in Malverne, Nassau County, have been completed, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The $6.3 million project was designed to address flooding issues and improve recreational amenities for the community.
“Long Islanders know best how major storms can affect their communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Fortunately, key infrastructure upgrades can help manage stormwater and mitigate flooding. Projects like this demonstrate New York’s commitment to adapt to our changing climate and improve public greenspaces at the same time. We thank the village of Malverne and all our local partners on the completion of this important project.”
Previously, flooding around Whelan Park affected nearby roads and homes, limiting access to recreational areas. The recent improvements aim to increase resilience against localized flooding while making the park more accessible. Renovations include two new Little League ball fields, a picnic area, a dog park, and a pedestrian jogging pathway.
To further support stormwater management, subsurface water retention basins were installed beneath baseball fields and paved areas. Additional measures such as porous pavement and bioswales were implemented to naturally filter water and expand storage capacity. Adjustments were also made to site grading and hardscapes to reduce local flood risks.
Educational displays have been added in the park that explain the role of retention basins, highlight neighborhood history, and provide information about native species found in Whelan Park. These updates are intended not only to improve stormwater management but also enhance ecological health along Pine Stream and foster greater public engagement with the park.
Funding for this initiative comes from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR) Office of Resilient Homes and Communities’ Mill River Drainage program. This program is focused on increasing resiliency for communities along the Mill River by improving stormwater systems, habitat quality, water quality, and recreational opportunities within the watershed.
The renovation aligns with broader state efforts targeting climate change mitigation through carbon-neutrality by 2050. HCR has invested in similar projects supporting sustainability and resilience across New York State through recovery programs after Superstorm Sandy as well as Hurricanes Ida and Irene; home resilience initiatives; flood mitigation improvements; clean energy funding for affordable housing; and emergency repair assistance for eligible homeowners after storms.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “New York is leading the way on climate adaptation and resiliency. This State investment will mitigate flooding, improve stormwater management, and help enhance the local ecology around the Mill River while also making Whelan Park more family-friendly for generations to come. Thank you to the village of Malverne and all our partners for their dedication to the community.”
Assemblymember Judy Griffin stated: “The $6.3 million revitalization and renovation of Whelan Park, in the Village of Malverne, is an ideal example of how HCR can vastly benefit communities. I applaud the Governor, Commissioner Visnauskas and our local government officials for prioritizing this project and investing in our community. I am so excited to see my constituents enjoy the new facilities. I appreciate Governor Hochul’s focus on improving the resilience of communities along the Mill River while enhancing parks and making green space accessible.”
Village of Malverne Mayor Timothy Sullivan commented: “We are proud to have reached this milestone with our partners at HCR. Following a pattern of intensifying storms and weather events over these past years, we pledged to harden our infrastructure to mitigate against future flooding and the devastating effects it has had on our homes and environment. We have accomplished this while providing enhanced recreational offerings and innovative design encompassing the infrastructure that now exists in the place of a long-lost pond. Whelan Park is a crowning achievement brought to you by the hard work of many which will provide countless benefits to our community for generations to come.”
