Brightwaters is a village in southwest part of the town of Islip, in western Suffolk County. It has a population of about 3000 people as of the 2000 census. Brightwaters is appropriately named, with frontage on Long Island's Great South Bay, a nearly mile-long yacht basin, and five fresh-water lakes. Great South Bay provides boating, fishing, and swimming. There are several parks, including Walker Park, with its beach on the Bay for fishing, sailing, and swimming; Wohseepee, with playground, concerts, and tennis; and Gilbert on the Bay, featuring a beautiful gazebo. New home building in the village is frozen in place, therefore no developments could be incorporated and there are very few lots left for any new construction. There is a remarkable comradeship between village residents. The village's location near the gateway to Fire Island and the Atlantic Ocean beaches, and on the LI Railroad, a short ride to New York City make this a popular place to live.