On Labor Day, Sept. 4, "The Park at East Hills" will officially open after more than a decade of planning, negotiation, lobbying, demolition, asbestos removal and construction.

On this date, over 2,000 residents, guests and dignitaries are expected to attend the grand opening celebration ceremonies. "We are nine months ahead of schedule and on budget," reported East Hills Mayor Michael R. Koblenz. The mayor came up with the idea of buying the land from the government and transforming it into a state-of-the-art park for the residents. "I am proud to have been at the helm of this project," he said. "It will instantly enhance the lifestyle of our 7,000 residents and, at the same time, add substantial value to all the homes in our community."

The village paid only $3,010,000 for the 50-plus acres on Dec. 9, 2000. The 50-plus acre property alone is now considered worth more than $50 million.

The costs for the new facilities are funded by the taxes that the residents pay. The increase in the taxes was included this past year so that only modest increases are expected in the future.

The new facilities include a 12,000 sq. foot swimming pool, a park grille surrounding the heated pool, a senior center, two age distinct children's playgrounds, six tennis courts with a new tennis building, two multi-use sports fields which can be utilized for concerts, such as the performance by Taylor Dayne on Sept. 4, a fitness room, a nature and jogging trail, a fully renovated auditorium, a picnic area, a second general use field for lawn games, a bike, rollerblading and walking path, two basketball courts, and two "bark parks" for different size canine members of the family. Additionally, on snow-filled days, a 300-ft. snow mountain constructed on the property will be open for sledding.

The mayor has invited the press to tour the park and to be briefed at the new facilities, located on 209 Harbor Hills Road, at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 4. The official ceremonies will begin later that day, at 5:30 p.m. A concert by Taylor Dayne, Long Island's own disco diva, will follow the ceremonies, together with a full fireworks display at 8:15 p.m.