SERVPRO Helps Residents Enjoy the Family-Friendly Hamlet of Centereach Whatever the Weather
11/23/2020 (Permalink)
Centereach Is Perfect for Family Activities and Fresh Air Despite Being So Close to NYC
When people think of New York, they think of the big city with its glitz and glamor. Of course, New York is overflowing with things to see and do, but some of the smaller communities nearby have a lot to offer, too – like Centereach.
Centereach is a hamlet of some 31,758 people. It is situated in Suffolk County, Long Island. You can drive from Centereach to Manhattan in under 90 minutes, making it a popular commuter town. Since its tiny beginnings, Centereach has grown into a thriving and prosperous family-friendly community. It is an affluent suburban area within easy striking distance of the Atlantic coast.
Small Beginnings
English settlers established the hamlet in the seventeenth century as part of a drive to develop several agricultural hamlets on Long Island. The hamlet, which started tiny, was called West Middle Island. The residents decided to change it to New Village, which it remained until the early nineteenth century when they learned there was already a community named New Village further upstate. IN 1916 they gave the hamlet a new name – Centereach – which it has kept to this day. Popular lore suggests that Centereach refers to the community's central position on Long Island. When you get there, you have reached the center!
Centereach remained a teeny hamlet into the 1940s when the population was a mere 600. As the community continued to grow and gain more amenities such as good transport and schools, the population expanded rapidly.
Get Close To Nature Amid The Bustle
Long Island is a densely populated area of NYC. Almost 40% of people in the state live on Long Island, making it the most populous island in the United States and the eighteenth-most populated worldwide. Long Island consists of four counties:
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
Many local residents use "Long Island" to mean Nassau and Suffolk counties together, as these are more suburban than Brooklyn and Queens. Despite the dense population, Centereach offers families ample opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Some of the most popular places for outdoor fun in and near Centereach include:
- County Fair Entertainment Park is an ideal location for kids of all ages (that includes moms and dads!) Enjoy batting cages, a driving range, go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, and more. There are arcade games to bring out your competitive streak, plus plenty of snack carts dotted around in case you're hungry after all that driving and golfing.
- Bayard Cutting Arboretum, where you will forget you are near New York! This extensive arboretum offers a conifer garden, flower gardens, and tons of relaxing nature walks. Be sure to take a stroll along the Connetquot River route, where you can spot ducks and swans and look across the river to the affluent homes there. You'll find a quaint bridge, a gazebo, and a mansion with stunning Tiffany glass windows. This is a hidden gem that is perfect for a quiet afternoon picnic with the family.
- Blydenburgh County Park is a dog-friendly park with gorgeous lake views that is located just 50 minutes drive from Queens. Hikers and runners can take advantage of the seven-mile trail that loops around the lake. There's a large dog run area, plus dogs are welcome on the trails. You'll also find public amenities and BBQ sites.
- Avalon Park & Preserve is quiet, pretty, and well-maintained. Visitors can spend hours wandering the easy walking trails or relaxing by the millpond, where there are ducks, geese, and swans to feed. Avalon offers walks in the woodland with quaint steps and bridges, and you can also find a labyrinth and a mysterious silver orb scattered throughout the park. If you need refreshment after, the nearby village of Stonybrook has everything you need.
The Fun Does Not Stop When The Weather Turns
Long Island is no stranger to wet weather but never fear. There is plenty to do when the weather turns gray. Centereach Square mall offers indoor shopping with everything you could need. With 31 stores, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Centereach also offers a wide range of dining choices. You will find all kinds of cuisine, including Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Spanish.
The NYC Area Is At Risk Of Floods
The local area has suffered flood damage several times. This includes freshwater flooding from Hurricane Irene in 2011, storm surges from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and flash flooding in Long Island in 2014.
There are different ways for flood water to enter Centereach homes:
- Storms and hurricanes bring storm surges and heavy rains.
- The spring thaw causes snow rivers and lakes to swell and overflow.
- Flash floods cause a rapid rise in water levels in urban and suburban areas.
SERVPRO Suggests Preparing for Floods When Possible
No one wants to deal with flood damage in their home. Although you cannot prevent bad weather, there are steps you can take to protect your home and family.
- Have a flood kit ready, so if you need to evacuate, you can. Include non-perishable food, water, clothes, spare phone chargers, toys for the children, and any medication. If you have pets, include their medicine too, plus bedding and some familiar toys.
- Keep all essential family documents in a watertight container, and consider taking copies and storing them in a safe at another location. Store necessary papers on shelves away from the floor and on your home's upper story if possible.
- Keep your home in good condition. Consider installing flood strips or storm doors if you live in a flood-prone area. Ensure you take care of any roof, door, or window repairs straight away.
- Install a weather alert app on your phone, so you always know what is happening in your locality. Talk to your family about potential floods and what to do in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows the escape route and where to go.
If you need help with flood damage clean up, SERVPRO of Centereach, Selden, is here for you. We can help you with water removal, drying, home repairs, disinfection, and deodorizing. Call us at (631) 468-3003.