Thursday, October 1, 2026
One of the most important responsibilities of local government is finding ways to improve our community while being responsible with residents’ tax dollars. Throughout my tenure as mayor, the village has secured nearly $73 million in grant funding. These investments have allowed us to make significant improvements to our parks, public facilities, infrastructure, emergency services and community programs without passing the full cost on to taxpayers.
The latest grants include funding for several important projects in our community. A great example is the transformation of Hickey Park into a state-of-the-art athletic complex. We secured $2 million from New York state through Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, along with $2 million previously secured by U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen. The village also received $500,000 from former State Sen. Kevin Thomas, and $50,000 from former Assemblyman Brian Curran, bringing the total outside funding for the project to $4.55 million.
As a former Rockville Centre Little League player, I’ve always been a strong supporter of its mission to provide our children with a safe, positive place to learn, compete and grow. That is why my wife and I contributed $5,000 to these vital improvements, investing in the future of our young athletes and families.
For the countless children and families who use Hickey Park and participate in Little League, this investment will make a tremendous difference. Upgraded playing fields, accessible walkways and new lighting will improve safety and playability while creating a more modern and inclusive facility for athletes and spectators.
Our emergency services have also benefited from significant grant funding, including $300,000 for the purchase of an ambulance to serve the community. That includes $150,000 secured by County Legislator Scott Davis and $150,000 from Curran. This investment will ensure that our emergency responders have the equipment they need. In addition, State Sen. Siela Bynoe awarded the village $50,000 for critical turnout gear for our volunteer firefighters. The village also previously accepted a $900,000 grant from former State Sen. Kevin Thomas for the purchase of a new fire truck, which is currently being built.
The village received $563,000 from Bynoe to replace the existing trailer at the Sandel Senior Center with a new Social Services building. This will provide a modern and permanent space for services that are important to our seniors and residents.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center has also received $165,000 in grant funding. Griffin previously secured $115,000 for security cameras and electrical upgrades, while Bynoe secured $50,000 for a sound studio and equipment. These investments will enhance both safety and programming at the center.
Our parks are also receiving significant attention. The village received just over $340,000 through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program for the rehabilitation of the playground at Reverend Days Park. The project will replace the existing playground equipment and install a new play surface for children to enjoy. In addition, the village received $74,500 in Community Development Block Grant funding for improvements to the basketball courts. Construction is underway, and includes new curbing and fencing, full-depth asphalt restoration, and updated linework with color coating.
These are just some of the latest examples of what grant funding is making possible throughout Rockville Centre. More important, these are improvements that directly benefit our residents without requiring them to bear the full cost through local taxes.
Securing this funding requires working with elected officials at every level of government, and importantly, working across party lines to get results. We have built strong relationships with our federal, state and county representatives, regardless of political affiliation, because our focus is on one thing: delivering for our residents. I’m grateful to every elected leader who has worked with us to bring these resources back to our community and helped make these important projects a reality.
Nearly $73 million in grants secured during my tenure represents more than a number. It represents safer facilities, improved parks, stronger emergency services, better community programs and investments in the future of Rockville Centre. Every grant dollar we secure is an opportunity to improve our village while protecting our taxpayers. That is responsible government, and we will continue working to bring every available resource back to Rockville Centre and to make the investments our community deserves.
Francis X. Murray is the mayor of Rockville Centre.
