After years of overgrowth, debris, and neglect, the historic Canaan Lake Park has been given a new lease on life, thanks to a significant restoration effort led by Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne. The official reopening of the Richard Monko Preserve at Canaan Lake was celebrated with ribbon-cuttings, community cheers, and memories both old and new.
“It used to be completely overgrown and uninviting,” said Legislator Thorne. “Now it’s a safe, beautiful, peaceful park where families can enjoy the water, the trees, and the history. This is what community investment looks like.”
The county-funded makeover included new fencing, a restored swing set, a flagpole, and clear emergency access for fire departments. A kayak rental stand has also been added, offering residents a new way to enjoy the lake. Crews worked for months to clear debris, trim back overgrown trees and shrubs, and improve overall safety and visibility.
The project was more than just cosmetic. Once choked by invasive weeds, the lake was drained and cleaned after years of advocacy by the late Richard Monko, an environmentalist and community leader. “His efforts led to the county stepping in to restore the health of this lake,” Thorne said. “Naming this preserve after him is a fitting tribute.”
After the lake was drained, local residents experienced basement flooding, but Thorne quickly proposed lowering the spillway by a few inches, a fix that worked almost immediately. “It was a small change with a big impact at no cost to the taxpayers,” he boasted.
James Lehner, a nearby resident who’s been visiting the park for five decades, praised the transformation. “This has been a big improvement,” he noted. “People come here all the time now. It’s peaceful. You see parents with strollers, couples kayaking, and kids fishing. It’s finally being used the way it should be.” He added, “Back in the day, it felt like the park was fading away. Now it feels alive again.”
The lake, part of the Patchogue River watershed, eventually flows into the Great South Bay. It is also fed by a natural spring, making its revitalization particularly significant from an environmental standpoint. “Healthy waterways are vital to the South Shore’s ecosystem,” said Thorne. “We’re not just preserving a park—we’re protecting the bay.”
Due to the draining, the lake’s fish population had to be completely restocked. That’s when resident Ray Crescenzi stepped in, raising $2,500 from the community and contributing $5,500 of his own money to bring in bass and minnows. The lake is teeming with life again and has become a favorite destination for local anglers.
“I come down here some mornings and just watch the fish jump,” said Lehner. “Ray did something really special.”
The park has deep historical roots. According to Steve Lucas of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society, Canaan Lake was once home to a bustling resort in the late 1800s through the 1920s. A trolley ran from Mascot Dock to the lake, giving rise to Traction Boulevard’s name. Lucas also noted that there was once a speakeasy on the lakefront, adding a layer of intrigue to the park’s storied past.
With its blend of history, ecology, and community spirit, the Richard Monko Preserve at Canaan Lake is once again a destination for all ages. And for longtime locals like Lehner, it’s a welcome return.
“I remember coming here as a kid,” he said. “Now I bring my grandkids. That’s the beauty of this place — it brings generations together.”