Bartlett Pond Park in Middle Island is being reclaimed.

For the past several years, the park, located on Middle Country Road, has been plagued by invasive species that have strangled trees to death and made hiking near impossible. In order to take back the nearly two-acre wooded portion of the park, the Brookhaven Town Parks Department cleared dead trees and saved others by ridding the area of vines and wisteria.

The 14 day clearing process was completed last week, town officials said.

Middle Island Civic president Tom Talbot called the former wooded lot a “jungle of dead and dying trees.”

“It became an unsafe environment for kids playing at the park,” he said.

Fourth District Councilwoman Connie Kepert (D-Middle Island) said the town workers were able to save some trees and plans to replant more later this spring. Also, a swing set and wooded chips will be added to the area.

The wooded chips will prevent the invasive plants from returning, Mr. Talbot said, and will absorb moisture to prevent stormwater run off.

In addition, Ms. Lynch-Bailey said a reflecting area with benches will be placed near war memorials bearing the names of community members who served in six wars. The community is currently fundraising for war monuments honoring veterans from the Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Community gardens will also be planted nearby, she said.

The civic association will seek additional suggestions from residents at its next meeting on April 21.

“Since we have a new palate to work from, we now have flexibility to create a park that people want,” Mr. Talbot said.

jennifer@northshoresun.com