Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the Town has obtained a $250,000 grant through the New York State Dormitory Authority, which will be used to develop a new artificial turf field at John J. Burns Park in Massapequa.

"On both shores of our Town, athletes are enjoying the use of FieldTurf, which looks and feels similar to grass, but is virtually indestructible," Supervisor Venditto said. "Now, the Town will be installing a new FieldTurf outfield in the softball field located in the northwest corner of John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa.

"In addition to looking and feeling like grass, FieldTurf has several advantages over traditional grass playing fields," Supervisor Venditto said. "Because it does not require the high maintenance of a grass field, which generally lasts only a couple of years before having to be closed for major repairs, it allows for unlimited playing time in any weather conditions, as it does not get soggy or muddy. Artificial turf also deters Canada geese. Both of these factors are good news for the more than 3,000 athletes who use the field. Additionally, because artificial turf does not require fertilizing and sprinkling, it is environmentally friendly.

"The popularity of artificial turf fields is undeniable, and there is a demand for such fields across the length and breadth of the Town," Supervisor Venditto said. "I am confident that athletes of all ages who use this new artificial turf field will be enjoying its benefits for many years to come."

Supervisor Venditto added that John J. Burns Town Park currently boasts two artificial turf fields, a field at Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale was recently completed, fields at Walker Memorial Park and Triangle Park in Hicksville were installed, and there is one in the final stages of work at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. Plans are also underway for an artificial turf field at Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.