Menands board authorizes application for state parks grant; residents press for committee input

The Village of Menands board on April 14 authorized submission of an application to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under the Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program to fund improvements at Polk Switzer Park.

The resolution (moved and seconded at the meeting) authorizes the village to apply for a grant the presenter described as a 90% funding program for eligible project costs; the village would provide a 10% local match in cash or in-kind services if awarded, the resolution states. The application elements discussed at the meeting included: restoring an eroded stone-dust exercise path, installing solar lighting along that path, installing new playground equipment with an emphasis on ADA-accessible elements, and expanding parking capacity at the park. The application deadline was identified as May 2.

Village staff and consultants said the village had previously received a $19,000 Albany…