Reclaiming and revitalizing Kay Porter Bicycle Park on Railroad Avenue in time for the namesake’s 100 birthday this year, the Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce pulled in the community to regain this treasure that had gone by the wayside in recent times.

An international peace pole was installed earlier in June by Lauren Minasian, a Girl Scout from GSCC 1106, who was fulfilling her Gold Award project. Hand-painting the pole, Lauren selected English, Chinese, Spanish, and Hindi as the four languages inscribed on pole, each saying, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

“It was a pleasure to be able to contribute to the beautification of my home town. During these times, the world needs a reminder of how much peace and kindness truly matter and I hope that my project will continue to remind people of that long after I’ve graduated,” said Lauren.

Lauren’s brother, Aidan Minasian, a Boy Scout from BSA 184, decided to help by devoting a Life Project to rebuilding the wooden benches in the park.

Aidan cut and stained the new wooden slats to replace the rotted ones in two benches at the entrance of the park.

“I’m grateful that I was able to restore the wooden benches at Kay Porter Park. By doing so, It gave me a sense of pride, knowing that I did my part to make my community better place for everyone,” said Aidan.

“This project meant a lot to our chamber, as Kay Porter has always been a pioneer for volunteerism and community service at its utmost capacity. Rededicating and renovating the park during Kay’s 100th birthday felt like the perfect time to also add the peace pole as a new addition, to add tranquility and a place where people can feel at peace during their day,” said Eileen Tyznar, president of the Sayville Chamber, adding, “Having so many organizations such as the Girl and Boy Scouts and people of faith in our community ban together to make this happen made for a feeling of inclusivity, which is always the goal when it comes to a community project.”

At the base of the peace pole are decorated rocks that all expand on the theme of “peace” and is open for anyone to add their artwork. Local artist-in-training workshop, Mini-Monet, even held a rock painting event to add to the community’s contribution to the restoration of the park.

The chamber, which provided all financial funding for the restoration, also saw its members roll up their sleeves and physically clean out the park and power wash the original brick that the peace pole is installed upon.

Chamber board member Chris Olsen, who was responsible for trimming the large bushes and trees and power washing, said, “It felt great being a part of helping to beautify the park and at the same time, help the scouts accomplish their goals. I hope we continue to do more projects like this in the future to help the town look its best.”

Plants were purchased from the owner of The Farm on Lakeland, Mary Hammerle, who also generously donated her horticultural knowledge in the placement of the greenery. Tyznar, who was responsible for the pruning and planting, selected a host of annuals and perennials to round out the inviting ambiance of the renovated park.

Mulch was donated by Elite Landscaping.

The revitalized park now has multiple usable seating areas and has been hosting mothers with young children during the day.

“We want people to be able to come to the park and sit and take a moment in,” said Tyznar.

The park’s entrance is locked at dusk to prevent loitering and littering, which had been a problem in the past.

Legis. Anthony Piccirillo (R-8th District) was in attendance for the rededication and said, “The peace pole dedication at Kay Porter Park was a wonderful tribute to the spirit of Kay. The chamber did a wonderful job fixing up the park with beautiful landscaping and flowers. I’m so happy that Lauren did her Girl Scout Gold project there. Peace is a powerful message that should be heard by all.”