Heckscher Park

 August Heckscher was a 19th century capitalist, born in Germany, who emigrated to the United States and became quite wealthy. According to Wikipedia,

Heckscher eventually became a multimillionaire and a philanthropist. He started The Heckscher Foundation for Children and created playgrounds in lower Manhattan and in Central Park. Heckscher Playground, Central Park's largest playground, is named in his honor. Heckscher also created Heckscher Park in the town of Huntington and created the Heckscher Museum of Art. The State of New York purchased nearly 1,500 acres in East Islip with money donated by Heckscher to create Heckscher State Park, made famous for hosting summer concerts for 35 years of the New York Philharmonic.

Why am I telling you about him?

Because on Thursday I was in Heckscher Park in Huntington.

The very last performance of this year’s production of HMS Pinafore was scheduled to be presented on the Chapin Rainbow Stage.

Yes, the stage was, in fact, named for Harry Chapin.  He made his home in Huntington. His widow Sandy still sits on the local arts council.

Of course Drew and I got to the park ridiculously early, so I had a chance to walk around.  I hadn’t been in this park since 2016.  It’s a lovely place to walk.

There’s an art museum.

And a memorial to the victims of 9/11, made from steel from the Twin Towers.

 

There’s a lovely old gazebo

And the highlight of the park, a beautifully landscaped pond, home of ducks, swans and geese.   Many, many geese.

 

   

There were other birds as well.

You know how I feel about robins,

Anyhow, it’s an outdoor theater, so when we had a rainstorm two hours before showtime … but the rain stopped and the audience showed up.

Im kind of sorry it’s over.  I’m not sure which show they’re doing next year but Drew in certain he’s going to audition.