“Save the Lake:” a plea written in spray paint on a slab of concrete next to a pentagram. You see a lot of similar messages written all around Lake Ronkonkoma –there’s certainly no shortage of canvases. It appears even the graffiti artists are sick of the sorry state of the lake.
Lake Ronkonkoma, was a very popular resort during the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s. It’s Long Island’s largest freshwater lake with a circumference of about two miles and used to see hundreds of swimmers and boaters. Unfortunately the suburban sprawl of the mid 20th century came along and as the surrounding area’s population increased, the health of Lake Ronkonkoma decreased. The water grew polluted and the shores were left neglected. Few boats are seen on Lake Ronkonkoma and even fewer swimmers. Both citizens and the local government have shown an interest in attempting to restore the lake, yet there seems to be a difference in opinion on where to begin.
On March 9th, 2016, the Suffolk County Legislature held a meeting with the Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board. The administrator of myronkonkoma.com, a local news website, Larry Farrell presented a slideshow highlighting just how bad certain areas of the shore have gotten. Farrell also unveiled a plan to find who is responsible for each section of shore and then work alongside volunteers to clear brush and debris. He also made it clear some sections of shore look phenomenal, but he likened that to having “a half painted car.”
Leslie Kennedy, county legislator for Suffolk’s 12th District, which includes the lake’s northern shore, was more concerned with the pollution of the water.
However she admitted, “It’s easier to organize people to clean the shores, because they’re visible.
While most residents agreed something must be done about the state of the lake, several expressed concern that these improvements would attract people who they would rather keep far away from their homes. The areas surrounding Lake Ronkonkoma are a hotbed for drug use, but Officer Susan Laveglia, the community liaison officer for Suffolk’s 4th District, which includes the town of Lake Ronkonkoma, tried to quell their fears.
Laveglia told the residents, “The best way to keep those people away is to make sure families and upstanding citizens are using the facilities.”
Graffiti found surrounding Lake Ronkonkoma. Photo: Tyler Marko