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Saratoga Springs council approves state grant application for Veterans Memorial Park improvements
Summary
City council approved a motion, 5-0, authorizing staff to apply for up to $1 million from the New York State Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program for phase 2 of the Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan, with a required 10% city match funded from the Capital Fund.
Saratoga Springs City Council approved a motion, 5-0, authorizing staff to apply for the New York State Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program to fund critical improvements at Veterans Memorial Park.
The grant is competitive and offers up to $1,000,000 in funding and requires a 10% local match. The council recorded that the city would provide the $100,000 match from the Capital Fund playground and facilities line. The application deadline was noted as May 2, 2025, which the council cited as the reason for taking the item at this meeting.
City staff described the proposal as funding to advance to phase 2 of the Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan, a project the council said is "estimated at nearly $2,000,000." Key components identified for the phase include upgrades to the existing two to three softball fields, renovations to the tennis and basketball courts, improvements to parking areas and related construction costs. Eligible grant expenditures listed by staff include design work, archeological assessment, land services, construction supervision, labor and materials, and equipment rental. The council did not provide a line‑by‑line budget at the meeting.
During discussion, Commissioner Cole was asked whether he should recuse himself because the proposal could include pickleball courts near a location associated with him; the transcript records the question but does not include a recusal. A separate comment referenced "Mr. Witt" and clarified that his prior promise applied to the recreation center, not Veterans Memorial Park. The motion to apply was introduced and seconded, and the council approved it by voice vote with no abstentions.
Council staff and departments identified in the discussion included the city's Recreation Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Mayor's office. The council instructed staff to proceed with the application; no follow‑up report date was specified in the meeting.
