County to improve Grant Park playground in Hewlett

The playground in Hewlett’s Grant Park is scheduled for a $500,000 spring overhaul that, according to some residents, is long overdue.

Eileen Krieb, commissioner of the Nassau County Parks Department, said that a renovation plan for what is known by park-goers as the “old playground” has been designed. “The conceptual plan has been designed to replace the existing playground equipment,” Krieb wrote in an email. “We are in the process of procuring the contractor who will renovate the playground area and install the new equipment.” The playground is at the back of the park, and residents say that the equipment is unsafe and out of date.

Krieb added that the goal is to have the work completed by summer. “The playground will be an upgraded version, with today’s equipment, she said. “It will be the same footprint with enhanced amenities, and the estimate for this replacement is $500,000.”

David Friedman, president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, said that discussions about the current plans for the playground began last spring. “I first spoke with the Parks Department commissioner about a plan to replace the old playground in April,” Friedman said. “The plan told to me was that it would be replaced [last] summer.” Neither he nor Krieb gave a reason why the plan was pushed back.

Friedman noted work done at the park in recent years, including the 2012 installation of three synthetic-turf fields and a batting cage with a turf surface, at a cost of $2.7 million. “The parks department replaced all the fields and playgrounds, with the exception of the old playground, a few years ago,” he said. “When we received complaints about broken swings, steps and other items that can cause injuries, we contacted the Parks Department regarding the replacement of the old playground.” 

Grant Park, at 1625 Broadway, has three playgrounds, designed for different age groups. The old playground area is for children 4 to 8. The playground near the park entrance, for those ages 9 to 12, was part of the 2012 renovation. Another playground, adjacent to the old one, is for pre-schoolers.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat who represents the Five Towns, said that his office received photos of the old playground last fall, which he said prompted him to take action. “It’s unacceptable for our park-goers to have to deal with this eyesore,” Kaminsky said.

While residents are happy about the planned renovation, some offered suggestions for additional work. Debbie Fromm, of Woodmere, focused on safety. “Even foam mat padding would be a great addition . . .,” she said. “It would be great for preventing injuries when falls occur.”

Hewlett resident Christine Lahey offered more recommendations. “There needs to be better lighting around the park,” she said. “When I went to register for ice skating lessons recently, I had to have a flashlight with me, since it was so dark.” The park has a roller rink that doubles as an ice skating rink in the winter.

Friedman said that lighting issues date back seven years. “The pathway lights from the parking lot to the ice skating rink went out after Hurricane Sandy,” he said. “It’s dangerous to walk there at night.”

Kaminsky said he was satisfied with the work set to take place, and that he had a responsibility to his constituents. “I would like to continue the positive relationship I have with the Parks Department,” he said. “It’s up to me to help get the funding for projects like this. This upcoming work is a step in the right direction.”