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Overcast and Breezy Memorial Park playground,picnic area set to open soon in East Rockaway
As children in East Rockaway anxiously await the start of their summer vacations, they can also look forward to the grand opening of a state-of-the-art playground in Memorial Park.
Village officials said the playground should be completed by mid-June after construction began a month prior. The total cost of the project is $170,000 and includes playground equipment that is compliant with the American Disabilities Act of 1990, safety surface, an ADA compliant swing set, fencing, a Bocce ball court, benches and sidewalk. The Nassau County Office of Community Development issued the village a grant for the total cost of the playground and additions.
“We are extremely grateful to Nassau County Community Development officials for this grant and their support to village projects that enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said East Rockaway Mayor Fran Lenahan.
In June 2011, village officials released a statement about dismantling the old playground and building a new one. “This course of action needed to be taken due in large part to the fact that the original playground equipment was deemed unsafe for use by our young children,” the statement read. “The age of the equipment made replacement impossible. In addition, the village was put on notice by our insurance company that by not removing this unsafe equipment, we would be exposing the village to a major liability claim if someone was seriously injured.”
When the playground reopens there will be two separate play areas. One is designated for children ages 2-5 and the other is designed for 6-12 year olds. Village Engineer Juan Garcia is overseeing the project.
The playground will be larger than its predecessor, according to Village Clerk Doris Piedimonte, and feature a Bocce ball court on a smoothed out area closest to Denton Avenue. There will also be two picnic tables and benches added to the park.
“I’m elated that my administration was able to keep its promise to upgrade and install new playground equipment at Memorial Park,” Lenahan said. “Every family can now better enjoy the recreational opportunities in East Rockaway. However, what’s most impressive is that this new equipment will be installed for use in record time and within budget. That’s something we can all be proud of, especially in time for the summer.”
When the playground was first dismantled last June, the village board asked residents to be patient while a new one was designed and built. Now, East Rockaway families, and especially children, won’t have to wait much longer before the playground at Memorial Park is up and running once again.
