FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2006
Contact: PAUL PERILLIE, MAJORITY CAUCUS AIDE -- #(631) 854-4500

Park of the Future
Legislator Cooper Establishes New "Eco-Tech" Park

Yesterday, Suffolk County Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) and his colleagues overwhelmingly approved his resolution to establish an Ecology and Technology Park in Suffolk County.

The Eco-Tech Park is a concept that brings hands-on environmental education to a passive park setting. The Suffolk County Department of Parks and Recreation will partner with corporate sponsors, alternative energy specialists and local universities to create an educational experience that is unlike any other. The Park will combine outdoor and indoor interactive exhibits that will teach visitors about the disciplines of energy conservation, alternatives to lawns and traditional farming, non-chemical options for lawn care, renewable energy technologies and much more. Establishing an Eco-Tech Park on Suffolk County parkland will provide Suffolk residents with the tools they need to live much more environmentally responsible lives by showcasing eco-friendly technologies.

In order to help accomplish the goal of securing our environmental future, Suffolk County residents are generally eager to conserve natural resources and protect our ever-decreasing supply of fresh air, rich soil, and clean water. Educating our children about the benefits of "green" alternatives to fossil fuels is one important step in moving toward achieving our goal of cleaning up our environment and creating a healthier future for everyone.

The educational exhibits will be funded through corporate sponsorships, private donations and educational grants. They will be designed in an interactive and user-friendly way so as to encourage children and adults alike to explore in an exciting and un-intimidating setting. Proponents believe that the Eco-Tech Park will become a destination for local school outings, setting the stage for our budding environmentalists to incorporate environmentally friendly technology into their daily lives.

"An Eco-Tech Park in Suffolk County will show local residents that making environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives is not difficult at all," said Legislator Cooper. "In fact, all it takes is a walk in the park -- the Eco-Tech Park. During their visit, children and adults alike will realize that it really is easy being ‘green.’"