Gazebo and Bricks - Prospect avenue

Welcome to East Meadow (Ave)

East Meadow’s town square sits on the corner of Prospect and East Meadow avenues in Veterans Memorial Park. It may seem like it’s been there forever, but the town square is actually very much a product of the 21st century.

Patrick Curry, who at the time was the president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, came up with the idea to create a town square in 1996. It would be a successor, James Skinner Sr., who would realize the town square five years later, even adding his own touch to the popular gathering place — personalized bricks.

The idea for the bricks came to Skinner when he was looking for a way to raise money to make the town square project actually happen. At the time, there were state grants, but the project overall was still running short on funds.

“The project was needed,” Skinner said. “The town was not designed like Levittown or Garden City where it had a central downtown and meeting place.”

Before the beautification of town square was completed, in 2000, chamber president Richard Bivone — who designed the square — held the hamlet’s first holiday tree lighting there. With approval from the Town of Hempstead — and help from the chamber — the beloved event has become an annual tradition ever since.

Now, the town square is a scenic addition to East Meadow. With its foliage, lighting and benches, huge gazebo, and personalized bricks, it’s a warm reminder of the dedication and love people have for the community.

“They created the square 20 years ago, and they had the foresight to lay down the

foundation for us to be able to continue the brick program in the future,” said Richie Krug Jr., the current president of the East Meadow Chamber. “We wouldn’t be able to do this right now without that.”

Skinner, who grew up in East Meadow, said Veterans Memorial Park was always where everyone congregates to use the pools and tennis and basketball courts.

“We declared that East Meadow Avenue was our main street,” he said. “What better place to put your town square than on your main street.”

James Skinner Jr., the chamber's vice president, has continued his father's project — following the path paved before him. “It’s great for the community,” the younger Skinner said. “My father did it, and here I am 20 years later continuing it.”

— Mallory Wilson

Top: The town square was the brainchild of many East Meadow Chamber of Commerce presidents and members. Bottom: Events throughout the year are held at Veterans Memorial Park and the town square, including the holiday lighting and Easter egg hunt.