(SEE COMPLETE PHOTO ALBUM in our Photo Albums Section)
Because Hampton Bays is surrounded by water, water-related service projects have been a big focus for the Rotary Club of Hampton Bays. In 20189 we reached out to our Town Parks Director Kristen Doulos to see if there were any Town-owned properties that could benefit from Rotary’s involvement, and from there our interpretive signage project was born. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to fund these two fantastic signs that will really enhance the visitor experience to this site.
The signs were created for us by the staff of the Marine Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. The Marine Program has been part of Cooperative Extension since 1985 and has grown to become a nationally and internationally respected organization whose mission is to protect our waters. The signs combine beautiful original artwork, a history of the site and details on the natural surroundings, and incorporate a QR code feature that gives the viewer an interactive, online experience. This also gives Cornell Cooperative Extension the flexibility to update online content, and viewers can go back to links at any point after their park visit.
The project has also led to new connections and friendships with other Rotarians throughout our Long Island District, and with the Long Island Divers Association, whose members have contributed some of the amazing underwater and on-land video you will see through the online links. Hampton Bays is rapidly becoming a tourist destination in its own right, and the Rotary Club of Hampton Bays is proud to have helped enhance the Ed Warner, Sr. Marine Park that will bring so many to our area for decades to come.