By Angela Marshall
The state transferred 47 acres of Hempstead Lake State Park to the village and, in return, the village transferred 57 acres from the Donald F. Browne Park to the state.
There is no surer sign of the arrival of spring than ballfields filled with the sounds of bats cracking and kids and parents cheering, Pataki said to the crowd of parents and players who attended the signing Saturday afternoon. By transferring this parkland to the Village of Rockville Centre, we are helping to expand access to soccer, baseball and other outdoor activities for these young players and their families to enjoy.
It took more than nine years to complete the parkland transfer, which was started by former village trustee Bud Cosgrove.
A $4 million renovation of the park will be started in June. Included in the renovations will be enhanced soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields, additional and improved restrooms, enlarged parking facilities, scoreboards, lighting and bleachers.
Mayor Eugene Murray recounted the many trips taken to Albany and hundreds of phone calls it took to seal the deal. It certainly paid off, he said, thanking the Governor, Sen. Dean Skelos and Assemblyman Robert Barra for their work on the project.
Skelos obtained a $1 million grant, which will be used toward the renovations. This will be the finest facility in Rockville Centre, Nassau County, Long Island and the state of New York, Skelos said.
The state wanted the 57-acre property, known as South Pond, in order to add parking, comfort stations, a fishing pond, paved walks and picnic areas to Hempstead Lake State Park.
