Tucked away behind fences in New Hyde Park lies a forgotten lake — a vital ecosystem and potential community sanctuary — that has been unjustifiably closed off for years.

What could be a thriving habitat and a sump, is just an untreated, unprotected, and a hazardous sump for not only animals, biodiversity levels, but also us humans, as this untreated water seeps into our ground aquifers for us to drink. Now left to rot in untreated storm runoff, collecting trash, toxins, and neglect. It’s not protected — it’s abandoned. And the worst part? No one benefits — not the environment, not the wildlife, and not our community.

This space could be so much more. A peaceful, passive gathering place for residents. A living classroom for students. A haven for native plants and animals. A symbol of restoration and environmental justice.

This summer, the environmental group New Hyde Park Wildlife have been permitted to enter and test all sorts of forms of dangers for wildlife: pH, temperature, coliform bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, etc. however, this isn’t enough, our community deserves better, deserves an open lake, for gathering, recreation, and even education. This includes learning about habitat restoration, wildlife, ecology, and much more.

As a local student, researcher, and environmental advocate, I ask our town and county leaders to:

Explore ways to clean, restore, and safely open the area for supervised public use (like walking paths, student research, or observation decks).

Recognize the lake’s potential as an environmental asset, not a liability.

This is not about building a park overnight — it’s about starting a conversation and taking the first steps to reclaim what’s been overlooked. With care and attention, this forgotten lake could become a beating heart of biodiversity and community life in New Hyde Park.

Let’s not let this opportunity slip through the cracks. Sign today to show your support for a cleaner, greener, and more connected New Hyde Park.