Preserve, Restore and Enhance Huntington’s Parks & Public Spaces
The 1653 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
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Recent News
Greg Kline Foundation Makes $10K Donation to 1653 Foundation
Peter Gesell and Erik Larson of the Greg Kline Foundation recently made a generous donation to the 1653 Foundation in support of its mission to Preserve, Restore, and Enhance parks and public spaces throughout the community. Their contribution will help ensure these vital green spaces remain accessible, vibrant, and sustainable for future generations.
Renovation of American Legion Post 360 Hall Furthers Halesite HarborWalk Plan
Renovations include a HarborWalk creation of an Armed Forces Plaza, for memorials and public art installations dedicated to veterans. State Assemblyman Keith Brown, R-Northport, is leading the push, securing a $150,000 State and Municipal Facilities grant through the State Assembly. The fundraising effort has a goal of $500,000.
1653 Foundation Sponsors Waterfront Festival & Safe Boating Week
The Huntington Boating Council advocates for the needs of the recreational boating community while promoting responsible environmental stewardship. In alignment with these values, the 1653 Foundation is actively engaged in enhancing local marine habitats. Current projects include stormwater management, coastal ecosystem protection and oyster reef restoration.
1653 Foundation Introduces Centerport “Mill Pond Walk” Concept Plan
The 1653 Foundation in support of its mission to Preserve, Restore, and Enhance parks and public spaces throughout the community has introduced the Centerport Mill Pond Walk concept plan. The Mill Pond Walk would create a pedestrian walkway around Mill Pond with support recreational areas. Click here to view the complete concept plan.
1653 Foundation Sponsors 5th Annual PUBlic Art Crawl – Features Artist Alley Project
The PUBlic Art Crawl strives to bring the community together to celebrate art, music, local vendors, restaurants and the vibrant village of Huntington. The 1653 Foundation setup in the future Artist Alley project area between New Street (Thai USA) and New York Avenue (Yaas Tea). Construction start scheduled for summer 2025.
Chairman of 1653 Foundation is Keynote Speaker at Fort Salonga Association Spring Event
Kudos go out to our very own Bob Bontempi, keynote speaker at the Fort Salonga Association spring meeting! Bob speaks about our mission to Preserve, Restore, and Enhance our parks and public spaces for future generations.
Bringing New Life to Town Beaches
The 1653 Foundation in partnership with the Town of Huntington is proud to announce our Beach Facility Beautification Project, a revitalization effort aimed at enhancing the charm of our beloved coastal spaces. As part of this initiative, several beach facility buildings are receiving fresh, vibrant coats of paint, restoring their beauty and reflecting the spirit of our seaside community.
1653 Foundation Backs Huntington’s Family Earth Day Event 2025
The 1653 Foundation proudly continues its community awareness efforts, engaging with residents to Preserve, Restore, and Enhance our parks and public spaces for future generations.
1653 Foundation Announces Inaugural Founder’s Day Celebration
The 1653 Foundation proudly announces the inaugural Founder’s Day Celebration, commemorating the April 2, 1653 founding of the Town of Huntington. As part of the festivities, a special Founder’s Day Pilsner has been crafted for the occasion — proudly dubbed “The Town’s Beer” — celebrating community spirit and Huntington’s rich history.
1653 Foundation Receives State (WQIP) and County (WQPRP) Grant Awards for Halesite Park Improvements
This “Living Shoreline” design approach will protect and restore our natural infrastructure and improve marine habitats. The project includes – removing structures and fill, improving the site’s stormwater management, planting salt marsh/high vegetation and installing natural stone to halt ongoing erosion and deliver water quality benefits to Huntington Harbor.
1653 Foundation Sponsors Three Nights of Stunning Ice Carvings
“We are incredibly proud to continue our support of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular for the third consecutive year,” said Robert Bontempi, Chairman of the 1653 Foundation. “This event is a cherished tradition that not only brings our community together, but also embodies the spirit of joy, unity, and togetherness.”
1653 Foundation joins Committee for St. John’s Pond Conservation & Restoration Plan
The 1653 Foundation will lend project support for the development of a conservation and restoration plan for St. John’s Church Marsh and Pond, located at the southernmost end of the Inner Cold Spring Harbor. The contractor GEI Consultants will develop a Marsh and Pond Conservation Plan and create conceptual designs for one or more priority projects.
