Fredonia playground project includes splash pad
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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $821,221 grant for reconstruction of the Barker Street Playground in Fredonia, as part of $67.5 million awarded to 89 playground projects statewide.
Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos said the grant award came from a resubmission after an application for the playground project was denied last year. The town of Pomfret and village of Fredonia both have a say in running the village's playgrounds, and Pacos credited both town and village officials for the playground plan and the successful retry on the grant application.
"We're basically going to rehab that whole playground," Pacos said. He mentioned a splash pad, a new artificial turf surface, and renovation of the bathrooms and the playground to improve handicapped accessibility.
Pacos also noted that a tall stockade fence will be placed around the playground. It's hoped this will mitigate an ancient Fredonia problem: Smokers from nearby One Temple Square irritating children, and their parents, at the playground.
Pacos said there is a local match requirement for the grant, but claims to have found a way to keep Pomfret from laying out any cash.
He said the town Highway Department has agreed to run lines for the splash pad and the bathroom. "We said let's do that as a match rather than contribute a couple hundred thousand from our budget," and state officials agreed to it, he said.
Pacos stated that the playground's basketball court will remain.
He said of the project, "People are really thrilled. This will be really cool for our kids."
Pacos also noted of the splash pad, "We don't have anything like that in Fredonia."
The town supervisor hopes construction on the project can begin this autumn, though he is unsure it will.
The Barker Street Playground grant comes through the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) program. It offered grants to 89 projects to build, expand and renovate public playgrounds across New York State.
According to a state press release, "The awards will help municipalities and nonprofit organizations create and improve accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active and connect with their communities."
"Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships and connect with the world around them," Hochul said. "Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play. These projects will give more New York families opportunities to put down their devices, spend time together and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime."
The awards will support 36 new playgrounds, 23 major expansions and 30 renovations across every region of New York state.