SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park

SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park, situated on Horseblock Rd in Centereach, NY 11720, USA, is a significant "Scenic Spot" that holds deep meaning for the local community. More than just a recreational area, this park is a living memorial to Staff Sergeant James D. McNaughton, a New York City Police Officer and U.S. Army Reserve Military Police, who tragically lost his life while serving in Iraq on August 2, 2005. His sacrifice is honored through this park, which serves as both a place of remembrance and a vibrant hub for community activities.

The park's address at Horseblock Road places it within Centereach, making it a central and accessible location for residents of Middle Country. It is managed by the Town of Brookhaven, which can be contacted at (631) 451-6101 for general park inquiries or information regarding facilities and programs. The renaming of the Centereach Ball Field in his honor by Town of Brookhaven officials underscores the park's dual purpose: to provide recreational opportunities and to perpetually remember a local hero.

SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park offers an environment that balances active recreational spaces with an underlying sense of solemn respect. While the exact acreage is not specified, information indicates it encompasses "Centereach Ball Field" and "Centereach Multi Purpose Fields," suggesting a considerable area dedicated to sports and outdoor activities. The park is characterized by well-maintained sports fields, which are typically open green spaces designed for athletic events. These areas would likely feature manicured grass, fencing, and possibly dugouts or bleachers, indicative of a functional sports complex.

The park's atmosphere is generally active, particularly during sports seasons, with the sounds of games, practices, and community gatherings. Families, athletes, and spectators frequent the area, contributing to a lively and community-oriented feel. Despite this activity, the memorial aspect of the park instills a sense of reverence and appreciation. The presence of the name "Memorial Park" suggests that there might be plaques, trees, or other dedications within the park that quietly remind visitors of Staff Sergeant McNaughton's sacrifice.

The park's location on Horseblock Road, a relatively busy thoroughfare, means there may be ambient traffic noise. However, the focus on sports fields typically creates enough buffer from the immediate road to ensure an enjoyable experience within the playing areas. The overall environment is one of community gathering, sportsmanship, and quiet remembrance, reflecting the values associated with a memorial park.

As a "Scenic Spot" primarily geared towards sports and community engagement, SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park offers a range of services and features that cater to both athletic pursuits and broader community use.

• Baseball Fields: The park is prominently known as the "Centereach Ball Field," indicating that baseball or softball fields are a core feature. These fields are essential for local leagues, youth sports, and casual games, providing well-maintained spaces for America's pastime. The park's utilization by sports organizations highlights its role in fostering athletic development and healthy recreation.
• Multi-Purpose Fields: In addition to baseball fields, the park also includes "Centereach Multi Purpose Fields." These versatile fields can accommodate a variety of sports and activities beyond baseball, such as soccer, lacrosse, or general open space for informal play. This versatility makes the park appealing to a wider range of users and sports groups.
• Public Access: As a public park, it provides open access to its facilities for community members. While specific operating hours or reservation requirements for fields are not detailed, public parks generally offer free access for general use.
• Commemoration and Remembrance: The most significant feature of this park is its dedication to SSG James D. McNaughton. While specific details about memorial plaques or structures within the park are not provided, the very name of the park serves as a constant reminder of his service and sacrifice. This provides an important educational and commemorative function, allowing visitors to reflect on the contributions of servicemen and women.

Information regarding additional amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, or walking trails is not extensively detailed. However, parks of this nature often include basic facilities to support visitors and athletes. Given its use for sports, it is reasonable to expect some level of public amenities, though the primary focus appears to be on the playing fields.

The promotion of SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park is inherently tied to its public ownership and its significant commemorative purpose. As a Town of Brookhaven park, it is primarily promoted through official municipal channels.

• Town of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation: The Town of Brookhaven's Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for managing and promoting its parks. Information about SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park, including its location and available facilities, would be found on the Town's official website or in its recreational guides. The contact number provided, (631) 451-6101, directly connects to this department, serving as a primary point of contact for public inquiries.
• Community Events and Sports Leagues: A major promotional aspect of the park comes from its active use by local sports leagues, particularly for baseball and other field sports. Schedules for games, tournaments, and practices would naturally draw participants and spectators to the park, effectively promoting its facilities through community engagement. Announcements from these leagues on their websites or social media would also indirectly promote the park.
• Memorial Significance: The park's dedication to SSG James D. McNaughton serves as a powerful and ongoing promotional element. Memorial events, ceremonies, or local news coverage related to his remembrance would bring attention to the park and its significance. The community's pride in honoring a local hero encourages visits and reinforces the park's identity as a place of respect and community spirit.
• Local Listings and Maps: The park's presence on online maps (like Google Maps, Waze) and local directories ensures its visibility to anyone searching for recreational areas in Centereach. Its proximity to other local landmarks, such as Centereach Square Shopping Plaza and Centereach Multi-Purpose Fields (which may refer to the same or adjacent facilities), as noted in property listings, also helps in its promotion by association with well-known areas.

While the park does not appear to offer goods or services for sale directly, its value as a "Scenic Spot" comes from the public access it provides to well-maintained sports facilities and a meaningful commemorative space. The community's continuous use of the fields and participation in memorial events are the strongest forms of promotion for SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park, highlighting its central role in Centereach's outdoor life and its enduring tribute to a fallen hero.

SSG James D. McNaughton Memorial Park

Horseblock Rd, Centereach, NY 11720, USA