Planning a refurbished Zion Park in Lawrence

Though the coronavirus pandemic continues, a light at the end tunnel is being seen and with an upbeat outlook for the future as Village of Lawrence trustees discussed several issues at the March 11 meeting, including the possibility of a holding the Memorial Day Parade with Cedarhurst village and setting the village election date as June 15.

Primary discussion focused on the proposed expansion and renovation plans for Zion Park that sits along Central and Lawrence avenues adjacent to the Lawrence Long Island Rail Road station and across from village hall.
Saying that “tons of research” was conducted Trustee Paris Popack, who along with

Trustee Jeff Landy, have spoken to designers, presented the preliminary plans that include moving the swings as they exist below the new 5 to 12 unit and expanding the 2 to 5 unit by “removing the slides on the end and adding to that bay,” Popack said, “and make it much more exciting, moving the little dinosaur and making that step special.”

A gazebo is planned to be added near the memorial that will be refurbished and the grass space will be left open for possible gatherings. Popack said that an increased police presence and signs should help mitigate loitering issues.

“Currently, where the swing set is now is a brick wall on the other side of that we wanted to utilize that space … for a transitory fitness area for young children,” Landy said. “After many cold walks in the park what Paris drew here is absolute genius and a perfect utilization of the space.”

The trustees continue to review the plans as project bids are planned.

Lawrence Yacht & Country Club General Manager Cory Menking said that membership was a “little bit ahead” of last year with golf memberships up 88. Early in March tennis memberships were down 23 and sign up for marina slips was down 29, but he anticipated an uptick as the temperatures climb.

Tennis players were still indoors and this year there was no early incentive for marina slip sign up, he said. Landy said as the tennis season does not reopen until April or May, he expressed confidence that “they’re all coming back,” referring to members.

Menking noted the creation of a newsletter that is being sent to members with hard copies places around the clubhouse as an efficient way to communicate club news. He credited Popack and new office manager Jessica Wagner for the newsletter. Golf opened earlier in March with all the staff and a new online tee sheet was expected to be live end of the month.

The irrigation system is being enhanced with main line pipes being run through the rough and cross lines in the fairways. The tennis area was getting a new awning, resurfacing and the clubhouse was being cleaned and sanitized and being made “Covid safe,” Menking said, adding that two new docks were being built at the marina. With the pickleball courts not being as popular as originally thought, the board floated the idea of turning the space back to parking spaces.

Lawrence trustees will meet next on Thursday, April 8 at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club at 8 p.m. Go to http://www.villageoflawrence.org/ for the agenda and directions to attend virtually.

Have an opinion on Lawrence village issues? Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.