Fields under construction; volunteers say fundraising is ramping for 70 Park capital campaign

Parks staff and volunteer fundraisers updated the Parks Committee on construction at the 70 Park renovation and on parallel capital campaign work. Staff said two fields are under construction: retaining and outfield walls have been completed in places, grading is underway, dugouts on Field 2 are installed, drain tile and storm sewer connections are being made and backstop posts are in place while fencing work awaits pool closure.

Volunteer Jimmy Hulipson said the capital campaign has several active grant applications and recent donations from alumni and campaign volunteers. He said the campaign planned to send ask letters to key donors the week of the meeting and that volunteers are coordinating with local hockey groups and other stakeholders. Hulipson described a planned late‑night "glow" tournament in Great Neck for Feb. 28 to raise funds specifically for field lights, and he said the campaign is breaking the work into smaller, fundable components, with lights on Field 2 as the next target.

Hulipson also described the mechanics of a previously announced $500,000 family pledge: the family would provide funds to a community foundation after the village begins incurring eligible project expenses; the foundation would then issue a check to the village, which would pay the contractor (cited as PGA) on presentation of invoiced pay applications. Staff said PGA had submitted one pay application to date. Committee members asked for continued coordination on schedules, billing and donor communication; no formal action was taken at the meeting.