Argyle Park

Argyle Park, a great landmark around Babylon, is soon to receive a makeover.

It is reported that the man-made waterfalls were constructed in 1929 and 1930, and their white paint is discolored, cracked, chipping, and peeling in many places, according to village Public Works Superintendent Charles “Skip” Gardner.

A village official has proposed scraping off the older paint, filling cracks, and repainting it as well as replacing the railing.

People listen to the splashing water on the nearby playground, walk their dogs around the track around Argyle Park, and people listen to the fall foliage while they sit on the park benches. The mayor said that the building itself is a sound structure and that only cosmetic work will be required. Approximately a month will be required for the completion of the project. “For this project, the village must turn off the falls and lower water flow from the lake with a control gate on the east side,” Gardner said.

Before beginning work, they are awaiting permission to begin work from the Department of Environmental Conservation. The project's developer is working with local community groups to fundraise and hopes to be able to qualify for a grant. “It is estimated that the project will cost $250,000-$350,00,” according to Scordino. It is also proposed to install gabion baskets — stones encapsulated in mesh cages — and cover them with topsoil and vegetation as part of a large project to rebuild the eroded shoreline of the lake.

Boulders and woven coconut husks commonly referred to as coir logs, are expected to line parts of the lake's shoreline. Village officials are trying to get financing and permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before work is begun on that project.

Scordino and Gardner said the village received a state grant for $365,000. They must now come up with the $450,000 remaining for the estimated $700,000 project. Alessandra Martino, 39, and Christopher Pabisch, 29, were sitting on a park bench on the first day of spring, watching the falls.

“It’s nice to come down and listen to the water, sea birds, boats, people going around,” Pabisch said. “I just like to get some peace and quiet.”

Several years ago, Martino recalled her sister taking her wedding pictures at the falls in Argyle Park and noting that the falls and railings appeared to be discolored due to sun tarnishing when they were once bright white. The 58-year-old Charles Crandall of West Babylon was sitting near the falls while playing his ukulele.

He said, "It's a beautiful park. It definitely needs some upkeep." 


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