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Ballston board authorizes NY PLAYS grant application to remediate Jenkins Park
Summary
The Town of Ballston authorized applying for a New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) grant to replace unsafe playground equipment and add ADA-compliant features at Jenkins Park after a facilities assessment identified multiple safety and accessibility deficiencies.
The Town of Ballston Board on May 26 authorized Supervisor John Antoski to apply for a NY PLAYS grant to upgrade and remediate Jenkins Park after a facilities assessment found several play pieces and surfacing elements that do not meet current safety or accessibility standards.
Councilwoman Kelly Jasinski, who summarized the assessment and the town’s recent park history, said the park — located at 20 Jenkins Road and the town’s only active municipal park — contains equipment that was once grandfathered but must now be brought up to code following installation of a new Volo Air playset. The April 30, 2026 assessment by Innovative Playground Services Inc. identified nine specific deficiencies, including swing and climber components recommended for removal, potential lead-based paint on older equipment, merry-go-rounds with no speed limitations, and playground areas lacking accessible safety surfacing.
The assessment also noted that existing sand (12 inches) and grass surfaces are not considered accessible safety surfacing and recommended replacement with accessible materials. The resolution and accompanying materials state the Town purchased the Volo Air playset (identified for ages 5–12) and seeks additional ADA-compliant play components and a 10-station fitness course to serve a wider age range.
Jasinski told the Board the playground has broad community use — camps, ball clubs, pavilion events and families — and that removal of condemned pieces in 2022–2023 and the 2025 dissolution of a special park district left the Town responsible for budgeting park improvements. She said the Volo Air installation serves as the Town’s match for potential grant funding. The Board passed Resolution 26-127 authorizing the grant application unanimously.
The resolution states the Town will remove condemned equipment, install ADA-compliant components, and improve surfacing to ensure safety and accessibility. The motion does not appropriate construction funds; it authorizes applying for grant support and allows the Supervisor to complete application forms.
Next steps: the Supervisor will file the NY PLAYS application and the Board will await the grant decision before committing to specific construction contracts or a detailed funding plan. Regardless of the grant outcome, Jasinski asked the Board to recognize the playground’s community value and to consider budgeting for remaining work.
Ending: The resolution was adopted unanimously; the application process is now underway and any subsequent procurement, removal, or installation work will be scheduled and publicized in future meetings.
