City Parks Renewal Phase 2 open for public feedback

PLATTSBURGH | The City of Plattsburgh Common Council is moving forward with Parks Renewal Phase 2. Councilors approved a request from Community Development Director Courtney Meisenheimer to apply for a $675,000 grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for inclusive playground features at Melissa Penfield Park. The grant application is similar to one submitted last year that was not successful, Meisenheimer said at the meeting on Wednesday. "One of the reasons we weren't awarded that grant, even though it scored really high, is because there were some other grants they wanted to see further progress," she said, specifically the city steps restoration project and Sailor's Beach feasibility study. Both of those projects are moving forward. Councilors unanimously approved the resolution that indicates "the funding will contribute to the revitalization of our public parks and recreation for both residents and visitors to the City of Plattsburgh." The project is designed to be "a destination accessible and inclusive playground at Melissa Penfield Park, which will create a more inclusive park – one of the few in the Champlain Valley Region –that would increase the number of potential users and encourage public health." The resolution says the proposed playground is "a reflection of community's desire to have a fully accessible and inclusive playground in the city." PLAYGROUND PUBLIC COMMENTS Meanwhile, the city Development Office has placed playground options for South Acres Park and Peter Blumette Park online for public comment. There are three playground designs offered for review at each park. The new play sets and park design will be purchased with the $710,500 that remains in the city's Parks Renewal budget. At Blumette Park, three designs for children and their parents to review online are: a Hangout Tree with Hideaway; a Robinia fantasy-themed wooden playground set; and playground designed like a backyard treehouse, the new MOMENTS™ pinewood range features. At South Acres Park, three designs to review online include: the Slidepalooza with a variety of sizes and types of slides; a Farm Theme group of play sets; and the Big Slide and Ropes playground. The options are shared on Parks Renewal Project pages of the city's community engagement platform: my.cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov/en/folders/parks-renewal-project Residents who want to vote or add comments have to create a my.cityofplattsburgh account, which is free and requires an email to activate. Over 200 people have engaged with the public input survey, which was posted June 27 and will remain open until July 11. "We have had a good response, but we'd like to see more," Meisenheimer said. Councilor Julie Baughn asked what the next steps for Park Renewal would be. "Once we have an idea of which designs are favored, I'm also going to take a look at any comments that people have made, it's also important to comment and provide feedback on the designs," Meisenheimer said. "I will take those comments and bring them back to the designer and integrate as much of the feedback as we can." Then they will get a final quote for equipment purchase. "I will bring that to the council for final approval, then we will place the order," Meisenheimer said. "There is a lead time (for delivery). Right now, if we stay on schedule, installation could happen in the fall (weather permitting). The motivation is to place that order this year, so that we don't run the risk of the budget and cost estimate (increase). "I love that people are getting their young people involved," Meisenheimer said of comments that have involved parents review with their youngsters, encouraging families to take a look together at Blumette and South Acres playground design options. SARANAC RIVER TRAIL PHASE III The Common Council will review design phase funding for Saranac River Trail Phase III at their next meeting in July. New York Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved design of the project. Design services are expected to cost $270,000, of which the city will pay about $90,000. Saranac River Trail Phase III will connect existing bike and walking segments to the River Walk and cross Bridge Street adding multi-use lanes along Green Street to Peace Point Park on the river outlet at the city's Harborside property. SUMMER EVENT REQUESTS Common Council approved street closure on the one-way section of Riley Avenue in front of Mickey's Restaurant for Wednesday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., including time for set up for the 28th Annual Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament dinner hosted by Mickey's. They also approved a request by the Plattsburgh Sunrise Rotary Club to have a "Beer Garden" on July 12 as part of the Mayor's Cup Festivities, from 2 p.m. to approximately 7 p.m. at the City Marina, 2 Dock Street.

Signup for our newsletter

City Parks Renewal Phase 2 open for public feedback

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS