Rhinebeck trustees discuss clearing Alliance Mini Park and $50,000 Lions Club offer, urge MOU before purchases

Trustees discussed plans for the Alliance Mini Park during the Nov. 13 meeting and agreed to take initial steps to prepare the site for a possible larger playground.

"The parks committee has recommended that the area that's now the little kitty area that's fenced in but lacks (utility) be taken down and that it be leveled and graded so that the water flows off," a parks committee representative said, describing the rationale for clearing the fenced enclosure to create a blank canvas for design. Trustees asked staff to prepare an RFP so the board can consider bids at the next meeting.

The Lions Club Foundation has offered $50,000 toward playground equipment, with options for the club to provide a check or to buy equipment and donate it. Trustees said a memorandum of understanding is needed to clarify who is responsible for maintenance, insurance and long-term care before any purchases are finalized. One trustee urged not to delay the project while the MOU is drafted, but others said codifying responsibilities is prudent given insurance and cost concerns.

Trustees also discussed coordinating the clearing work with an upcoming drainage project so the village does not rework cleared areas after engineering work is done. The parks committee will return with RFP drafts and proposals for how donated funds could be used once an MOU framework is in place.

The board took no appropriation at the meeting beyond authorizing staff to prepare bids and to continue discussions with the Lions Club and Alliance volunteers.