PLATTSBURGH — The Town of Plattsburgh has been awarded $1.28 million for the construction of a playground at the Battlefield Memorial Gateway through the NY PLAYS program.
“We are grateful to the State of New York for providing this funding opportunity and selecting our project,” Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Chuck Kostyk said.
“This project could not move forward without this significant contribution. As a municipality that manages 13 public park properties, these grants are transformational and much needed to continue our mission of providing recreational spaces for the community.”
The Battlefield Memorial Gateway, a park located at 19 Battlefield Lane in the Town of Plattsburgh on the Lake Champlain Waterfront and situated at the end of the Terry Gordon Bike Path, has been designed to commemorate the community’s military history and prominence.
The full BMG project is set to be completed in three phases and the town is currently working with Luck Bros to complete phase two, the Remembrance Plaza, with related site improvements. Phase two is expected to be finished this Fall.
Earlier this year, the town partnered with AES Northeast and Earthscape Play to design a custom, modern and inclusive playground for the BMG which was to be inspired by the region’s military and maritime history along Lake Champlain.
The shipwreck themed playground design includes unique climbing structures and swings, wheelchair accessible equipment, and even features the famous Plucky Rooster atop one of the ship masts, which is a nod to the Battle of Plattsburgh.
The total project cost will be approximately $1.6 million which includes final design, construction/bid documents, site work, equipment manufacturing and installation, and poured in place accessible safety surfacing.
The town said it knew this project was going to require creativity and strong financial support and chose to pursue the NY PLAYS Grant Program, because it aligned with the Battlefield Memorial Gateway playground.
NY PLAYS specifically prioritizes new playgrounds, accessibility, and disadvantaged communities, of which the BMG addresses all three. The town said its needs and this grant program perfectly coincided.
“Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships and connect with the world around them,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
“Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play. These projects will give more New York families opportunities to put down their devices, spend time together and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”
The town said it has wanted to bring this kind of project to the community for many years, and this funding will finally allow them to achieve that goal.
The BMG has been developed through a Public Private Partnership between the Town of Plattsburgh and the Clinton County American Legion. It is also sponsored by the annual MichiganFest held each August in Plattsburgh.
“The BMG Committee is excited to see Phase 3 of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway project move forward with NYPLAYS funding,” John Rock, Battlefield Memorial Gateway Committee, said.
“This project has widespread community support as a historical and recreational destination. We are thrilled to be able to continue to develop this important space for veterans and their families to enjoy.”