New Educational and Recreational Resource is Located Within Sunset Park Along Port Washington Waterfront
(October 14, 2025)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and Port Washington Water Pollution Control District (PWWPCD) officials today cut the ribbon on a new Respite Care Relief Park for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. The park is an educational and recreational dementia-friendly place where caregivers can feel comfortable bringing their loved ones with dementia to relax and enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting, while also gaining helpful educational information.
Located along the Port Washington waterfront overlooking Manhasset Bay, the Respite Care Relief Park includes a gazebo, benches, landscaping, and educational information about Alzheimer’s disease; avoiding caregiver burnout; building caregiver skills and a caregiving team; and support services. The park is located within Sunset Park, which is owned by the PWWPCD.
“AFA is pleased to work with the PWWPCD to create this new dementia-friendly resource for Long Islanders living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “Caregivers need dementia-friendly places that they can feel comfortable bringing someone with dementia to get out of the house, relax, and socialize, all of which are essential for both them and their loved ones. We’re grateful that Long Islanders caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s can visit this peaceful, picturesque waterfront park to enjoy the outdoors and learn about accessing help and support.”
“This is a gift to help the growing number of Long Islanders caring for family members with Alzheimer’s,” said Bert Brodsky, AFA’s Founder & Board Chair and a Port Washington resident. “When my mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, resources like this did not exist, and I wish they had. We now know the harm that isolation causes caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s, and the importance of having dementia-friendly places to go. Working together with the PWWPCD, we’ve given something to families to help them in their time of need.”
“The Port Washington Water Pollution Control District extends its sincere gratitude to AFA for their generous donation of this beautiful gazebo,” said PWWPCD Commissioner Eddy Marinelli. “Sunset Park is a cherished part of our community, and this addition furthers our commitment to maintaining a vibrant, welcoming environment for all residents. We value our partnership with organizations like AFA that share our vision for enhancing Port Washington’s public spaces.”
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, New York State Assemblymember Daniel Norber, and North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte joined AFA and PWWPCD officials at the ribbon cutting.
The need for dementia-friendly places is critical. Isolation is one of the biggest challenges for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. It can accelerate the progression of the disease and contribute to caregiver burnout. The park gives Alzheimer’s caregivers an outlet to get out of the house, enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting, socialize and receive information that can help them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease right now, and that number is projected to double by 2060. More than 426,000 people in New York State currently live with Alzheimer’s, including an estimated 60,000 Long Islanders.
Information about additional services the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides to families affected by dementia-related illnesses, including a Helpline that’s available 7 days a week, caregiver support groups, and educational programs, can be found at www.alzfdn.org or by calling 866-232-8484. Long Islanders can also take advantage of free programs and services at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center by calling 631-223-4000 or visiting afalongisland.org.