The Field of Dreams, a handsome new addition to Massapequa was officially unveiled last Saturday. A pleasant spring day brought thousands of residents to the new park as young people enjoyed myriad activities and events to mark the occasion.

The day featured appearances by numerous local dignitaries, including Nassau County Supervisor Thomas Suozzi, plus John Venditto, Supervisor for the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County Legislator Peter Schmitt, and Town of Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna, Jr.

In addition, the New York Jets and New York Islanders all had huge playgrounds set up for the youngsters. There were appearances by such former NFL stars as Marty Lyons, Joe Morris, and Long Island native Gary Baldinger.

The Town of Oyster Bay constructed the field and will be in charge of its maintenance.

"This park is proof that government officials and local citizens can work together effectively and efficiently," said Supervisor Venditto. "The use of this space represents the greatest good for the greatest number. It's smart civics. It's smart government. I'm proud of what the town and the community have accomplished."

The space that became Field of Dreams was owned by Nassau County. Originally, it was almost assumed that the site would be used for commercial uses. However, Massapequa residents upset with the "chronic overcrowding" at local playing fields, rebelled at the thought of more industrial development in the village.

Led by the late Emil Coppola, various local organizations, including civic associations and youth sports advocates all petitioned Town of Oyster Bay officials to support the idea of a needed athletic complex for the site located on Old Sunrise Highway past the Long Island Rail Road station.

The campaign worked and soon, the Town of Oyster Bay entered into negotiations with the county. The town and the county reached an agreement where the town would purchase the property for $4.7 million and take over 9.8 miles of county road.

The deal was sealed in April 2004. Work soon began on Field of Dreams, culminating with last Saturday's opening day. In all, the $6.5 million multi-sports complex will host football, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer games for some 15,000 local youths.

The Town of Oyster Bay was not the only local entity involved with the successful unveiling of Field of Dreams. Other organizations that helped to make the day a reality include the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Massapequa School Board, the Athletic Booster Club, the Community Fund, the Massapequa PAL, Coast Baseball, the Massapequa Soccer Club, Mustang Football, the Village of Massapequa Board of Trustees, Saint Rose CYO, Biltmore Shores Civic Association, Nassau Shores Civic Association, Breezy Point Civic Association, and International Baseball.

In addition to games and celebrity appearances, the day featured plenty of cold cuts, chips, and beverages for parents and their children. Several youth football teams were busy practicing on the new turf, as they became the first of many generations to enjoy the new facilities.