Recreation upgrades and security measures

Exciting developments are underway at Glen Cove’s fields as the city embarks on a series of ambitious upgrades aimed at transforming the beloved sports hubs into premier destinations for recreation. The initiative aims to improve accessibility, safety, and sustainability while creating vibrant spaces that cater to the diverse needs of residents. With a focus on green spaces, recreation facilities and community engagement, the city is poised to transform its outdoor amenities into dynamic hubs for leisure, sports, and social interaction.
The projects are funded partially through capital improvement funding from the City of Glen Cove, fundraisers and grants secured through Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.
“Things were left to the wayside, and we have a lot of catching up to do.” Spiro Tsirkas, executive director of Glen Cove’s Youth Services and Recreation, said. “It’s going to be a lot of work now, but we can slowly renovate everything and not have this mad-dash to get so many things done.”
Pascucci Field includes installation of LED lighting, renovated restroom facilities, and the addition of a secondary field featuring a futsal court and removable pickleball nets. It’s anticipated that Stanco Park will receive new basketball courts, pending the decision into the capitol borrow vote in the coming weeks.
“It takes money to do all of this, so we have been really doing our best to manage our budgets so that when there is availability, we stretch our funds to cover as much as possible,” Michael A. Piccirillo, city controller wrote in an email, “and continue to move our city in the right direction.”

Upgrades to John Maccarone City Stadium include replacing the perimeter fencing with sleek black chain-link, funded by a combination of capital and legislative money from DeRiggi-Whitton. Fundraising efforts have contributed to various projects, such as the refurbishment of the upper football field, installation of new basketball courts, and upgrades to the clubhouse and concession stands’ roofing and siding. Dugout covers have been added, and bottom fields have been redone with a mix of city and fundraising funds. Additionally, new equipment, including a field skimmer, has been purchased to streamline maintenance tasks. A new sprinkler system has been installed, with plans to complete the last section at the stadium using legislative funds. Furthermore, the city will install a cement block wall bin to separate the clay and soil clay at the baseball fields to reduce runoff starting next month.
Pryibil Beach will see a new volleyball net. Previously, a temporary volleyball area was set up to gauge community interest, and Tsirkas said it has proven popular among residents. The new net will be in the back of the parking lot, near the playground.
Surveillance cameras will be installed at Morgan’s Park, Pascucci Field, Pryibil Beach, and Stanco Park. These measures, totaling just over $40,000, are meant to ensuring accountability in the event of incidents. The decision to implement camera systems stems from past instances of vandalism, often linked to social media challenges.
“We had cases of vandalism, and they all revolve around Tik Tok challenges,” Tsirkas said. “Its kids being a little foolish. One year there was a ‘steal the paper towel dispenser off the wall’ challenge, another year, where they took the toilets apart and stole the top half of the toilets. We just want to protect our assets.”
Tsirkas emphasized that cameras will not be pointed in the direction of swim areas.
Tsirkas noted the city’s careful project alignment with ongoing activities at its facilities. Despite timing challenges, such as fencing upgrades during summer sports at the stadium, panel work will minimize disruptions. Plans for the basketball court await capital fund approval, avoiding conflicts with summer programs at Stanco Park. Postponing tennis court renovations ensures uninterrupted summer tennis programs. Progress is imminent at Pascucci, with multiplayer area work starting soon.
“We’re all a team, we all kind of have the same vision of where we would like to do these things, and what we would like to see come out of the future of Glen Cove,” Tsirkas said. “I think that’s the biggest help and mentality change that’s going on in City Hall right now, if you want something, ask for it, explain why. And if you can figure out a way to do it, or let’s all figure out how to do it. There are very rarely any projects right now that are turned down just to be turned down. We’re living in a good time right now.”