W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County ParkLocation: Nesconset, NY
Size: 90 acres
Date of hike: Aug. 22, 2015
W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park has winding wooded trails that offer terrific views of a picturesque pond and a historic homestead. I came across the small park while trying to find an alternate entrance to Lily Pond County Park in Ronkonkoma, which has become one of my favorite spots for a quick hike. Needless to say, curiosity called me once I glimpsed its sign and my foot stomped on the brakes faster than you can say "W.S. Commerdinger, Jr."
Before exploring, I briefly researched the history and habitats of W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park, which is named after a man who settled in the area when his father bought land during the early 1900s, according to the Suffolk County Parks Department's website. "Walter S. Commerdinger, Jr., just like his father, was quite active in local government and community affairs," the website said. "As a charter member with a variety of organizations, he was instrumental in their growth into significant community factions." After he served in World War I, Commerdinger bought the Nesconset General Store and Post Office and was named Nesconset's second postmaster in 1926. As for the property itself, Commerdinger family members lived on a 5.7-acre parcel of the preserve until recently, the website said. Today, the park's stewardship duties are handled by the W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park Preservation Society and Suffolk County Parks Department, which plan to turn the abandoned home into a living museum to honor the family's legacy, according to articles.
Before exploring, I briefly researched the history and habitats of W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park, which is named after a man who settled in the area when his father bought land during the early 1900s, according to the Suffolk County Parks Department's website. "Walter S. Commerdinger, Jr., just like his father, was quite active in local government and community affairs," the website said. "As a charter member with a variety of organizations, he was instrumental in their growth into significant community factions." After he served in World War I, Commerdinger bought the Nesconset General Store and Post Office and was named Nesconset's second postmaster in 1926. As for the property itself, Commerdinger family members lived on a 5.7-acre parcel of the preserve until recently, the website said. Today, the park's stewardship duties are handled by the W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park Preservation Society and Suffolk County Parks Department, which plan to turn the abandoned home into a living museum to honor the family's legacy, according to articles.
The park's entrance is located at the intersection of Edgewood Avenue and Audubon Street. A trail map is posted near the trailhead, as well as degradable pick-up bags for dogwalkers. I snapped a picture of the map in case I needed to refer to it. It's better to have a map and not need it, than to need a map and not have it, I've learned. Upon entering the park, I had the choice of taking a trail straight toward the homestead or right along the park's outskirts. My choice was right, aka west. The trail soon turned south and led me to a secluded spot bordering a body of water called Lily Pond, as evidenced by the abundance of big lily pads. It
was one of my favorite spots in the park. I then headed east, stopping to admire several graffiti-filled trees as well as numerous openings in the high grass that enabled me to stroll closer to the water's edge. While I like to hike, locations like this make me crave a kayak.
The hike's highlight for me was the abandoned two-story home, which was surrounded by yellow caution tape on this day. My research later revealed this is a "historic homestead," which was built in 1810, and was once owned by some of Long Island's renowned families: the Smiths, the Hallocks, the McCormicks, and, most recently, the Commerdinger family. The preservation society, which was formed in 2008, has reported on its website that they have been awarded several county grants to assist in applying for status on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. There are also plans to run water to the park as part of a "collaborative gardening project" with the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Regarding wildlife, I spotted some swans and other waterfowl in Lily Pond, which acts as a natural border between Commerdinger County Park and neighboring Lily Pond County Park. The serene scene inspired me to throw on Voices From the Fuselage, which is a UK-based progressive metal band that features former Tesseract
vocalist Ashe O'Hara. Their music is among the best I've heard in recent years, and I hope they get the recognition they deserve one day. Fingers crossed that by the time you're reading this they'll be a household name!
Overall, I enjoyed W.S. Commerdinger,
Jr. County Park, which is no surprise since I already adore the adjacent Lily Pond County Park. While I wouldn't travel a long distance to visit it, the park is worth a stop if you reside within a few miles. Let's just pray that county officials and the preservation society are able to eventually complete their vision for this historic site.
(Updated: Jan. 29, 2023)
Map: W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park (Google Maps image)(Updated: Jan. 29, 2023)
Parking: 40°50'23.8"N 73°07'43.2"W
Video: W.S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park (360-degree view)
As a boy I lived on Audubon Street back in the 60's and I spent a great many days hiking about in Commerdingers woods. I hunted frogs and fished in the ponds. It was my favorite place to be. I knew the Commerdigers only as the people who lived in the big house that still stands there and every once in a while their dogs would get loose and I'd bring them back to them.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mike! Can you post that pic of the trail map that you took? Thanks!
ReplyDelete