I would like to welcome you back for our second installment in the West New York Reporter. It is my hope that this will continue to be a means to keep the residents up to date on some of the wonderful things we have going on in our great town. Today, I would like to tell you about the what is happening in our Recreation Department and the improvements to the jewels of our town, our parks.
West New York Parksparks: Our Community’s community’s Meeting meeting Placeplace
As we continue the improvements in our great town, we will be focusing on the gathering places of our communities – our parks. While the parks are in good condition now, it is important to keep working on them to make them the best they can possibly be. Before we were able to move ahead with an improvement plan, a facilities inventory was needed. A complete inventory of every recreational facility owned by the town of West New York, which included parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, etc. was done, totaling nearly 20 locations. This allowed us to assess our needs and decide where our resources should be focused. Good planning is always the first key in any successful project.
This inventory spurred the complete reconstruction of three playgrounds within a four -month period. The reconstruction costs were completely covered by grant funding and implemented the use of state contracts for optimum savings in engineering and bidding costs. This good management helped to minimize the duration of each project, which included over $600,000 in playground equipment and surfacing replacements, in addition to the on going fourth playground conversion a run-down tennis court into a new Toddler Park.
Verrazzano, Donnelly, and Miller parks all underwent these improvements. Our excellent team was able to disassemble and safely remove all of the old playground equipment and surrounding surfaces to clear the way for all new playground equipment for children of different ages. With the safety and well being of our children a top priority, the new equipment now sits on a softer safety surface. All precautions have been taken should there ever be an accident. These improvements now allow for each of these parks to accommodate double and triple the amount of children than before.
Looking ahead, we will be continuing to improve the beautiful parks our town has. Veteran’’s and Donnelly parks are uniquely located at the top of the Palisades with some of the most picturesque views of the Hudson River and Manhattan. These beautiful areas will be undergoing some reinforcement and drainage improvements whichwith the majority of funding will be coming from our grants.
With grant season underway, town officials and I will be working to recapture over $1.3 million in Green Acres grants. Also, we will be continuing our relationship with Hudson County Community Development and continue working with them to receive more block grant funds. Grant funding is an important part of our improvement plan moving forward.
These important projects are progressing nicely thanks to the leadership of Parks & Public Property Commissioner Michelle Fernandez-Lopez and the department’s strong management team. They are doing a tremendous job ensuring that West New York parks are safe, clean, and reliable for residents while carefully watching theirir budget and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
I would like to thank Commissioners Alberto Rodriguez, Gerald Lange, and Lawrence Riccardi for the work they continue to do in their departments. We will be bringing you up to date on the hard work, achievements and projects going on in the town through the year. Also, I want to recognize administration officials and various town departments for working so hard to help make our town great. The commissioners and I are aware of the hardships West New York is facing, and are making the tough decisions we need to provide relief and keep our town on firm ground through innovative and creative means. I look forward to continuing to update you on the status of our community and the great things going on in it.
Mayor Sal Vega