Westchester approves splash‑pad budget modification after testing and grant uncertainty

Council approved a budget modification Thursday to keep the Jonno Green Park splash‑pad overhaul on track after parks staff described a multi‑phase renovation, grant applications and a funding gap.

Keith Kowski, director of parks and recreation, told council the project is a substantial overhaul rather than a temporary fix and outlined a two‑phase approach that would allow the playground and other park improvements to follow a successful splash‑pad installation. He said the full splash‑pad package could reach about $165,000 and noted the team had applied for $350,000 in grants to fund phase two.

Finance staff said the recreation in‑lie cash balance was lower than assumed in the 2026 capital plan, producing a revenue shortfall of roughly $50,532; staff proposed covering shortfalls by moving a $20,000 Hoops Park project to next year and using anticipated savings on another project (~$75,000) along with existing park maintenance funds. "We're not dipping into the general fund," a finance staffer said.

Engineers and procurement staff warned that excavation below 24 inches would trigger Department of Environmental review and testing requirements; Penoni engineers advised that testing and environmental covenants are likely less expensive than altering the foundation design to avoid excavation. Costs for soil testing and remediation were not finalized and were described as contingent on test results.

Council supported pursuing grant funding, authorized the budget modification (for capital improvements and a $45,000 net shortfall described during discussion), and asked staff to return with final numbers and any required testing estimates prior to contract award. Installation timing discussed aimed for fall work with the splash pad operational by May of next year if timelines hold.