A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 12th for the dedication of the Ronnie Campsey Pavilion and Bay Avenue Marina in East Quogue. The property located at 33 Bay Avenue in East Quogue was purchased with Community Preservation Funds in 2007, and upgrades and improvements have been a priority for Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara.
The Parks Department, Community Preservation, the Trustees and the Highway Department collaborated on this project, upgrading and improving the marina, adding two ADA parking stalls with ADA access ramp and sidewalk, installation of a bulkhead and the newly named Ronnie Campsey Pavilion. These upgrades ensure that individuals with special needs, like Mr. Campsey who has Parkinson’s disease, have access to the park and facilities.
The idea for dedicating the pavilion came about when Peter Shay, a fellow veteran, wanted to honor Mr. Campsey for his service to our country and the East Quogue Community by trying to name the East Quogue Post Office after him. Congressman LaLota’s office informed him that Mr. Campsey met all of the qualifications except one, he was not deceased. The Congressman contacted Councilwoman McNamara, who thought naming the pavilion after Mr. Campsey would be a fitting tribute.
Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara stated, “Ronnie and his wife Shana own the New Moon Café, which is at the other end of Bay Avenue. They used to walk their dogs down to the marina every day. I thought it was fitting that the pavilion be named in his honor. He is a Vietnam Veteran and has been a great supporter of the East Quogue Community. This was a collaborative project with the Parks Department, Community Preservation, Highway, the Trustees and the community.”
“It would be hard for me to explain how special I felt,” said Campsey. “I didn’t know anything about it and I was surprised. I love this country, it’s been good to me and my family, and I really love East Quogue.”
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Councilmember Michael Iasilli, Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, Quogue Mayor Robert Treuhold, Trustee Scott Horowitz, Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer, Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, Ronnie Campsey, Shana Campsey, Peter Shea, CPF Director Jacqueline Fenlon, Parks Director Kristen Doulos | 33 Bay Avenue in East Quogue | Councilmember Michael Iasilli, Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, Trustee Scott Horowitz, Councilmember Cyndi McNamara, Ronnie Campsey, Peter Shea, CPF Director Jacqueline Fenlon, Parks Director, Kristen Doulos |
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Shana and Ronnie Campsey, Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara |
| 33 Bay Avenue in East Quogue |
