MIDDLEBURGH - It's time for basketball at Bagdely Park in Middleburgh.
Two new hoops are in and now village officials are waiting for the paving contractor to pave the former rink, possibly soon after Labor Day, according to village Trustee Ananda Fernandez.
Once the new pavement is set, the courts will be will striped, Ms. Fernandez added. Officials are still trying to decide if they should do two half courts or a full court. They may have residents give their opinion on what to stripe.
Mayor Tim Knight and Ms. Fernandez are still discussing the netting/chain link options to enclose the court area. That work will happen next spring so the village has time to budget accordingly.
So far they have had no issues with through traffic as people are playing basketball.
"I've already seen lots of people utilize the courts and are out there having fun. It makes me so happy!," Ms. Fernandez said.
"I ask that visitors respect the hoops and do not adjust them to the lowest setting to dunk. I’d hate to have a brand new hoop damaged that we just put so much time and effort to purchase and install."
The village is working with the Rotary to beautify the existing monument at the entrance of the park, she added.
Former village Trustee Bill Morton has been busy working on his wind spinner project as well. Eventually the village will give residents the option to donate a wind spinner in memory of a loved one. They are still working through the logistics of this, Ms. Fernandez said.
In the spring village board members agreed to have Department of Public Work members take down the curbing on the skating rink in the park and also authorized DPW head Cole Keyser to get quotes on resurfacing the rink.
Trustee Fernandez has been spearheading the work in the park by the former town hall.
Members approved buying two hoops for $2,400 and the paving of the former rink for $14,200 by Mr. Asphalt Paving. The oval will be paved along with a small rectangular area which will house new solar benches.
Mr. Morton spoke about adding whirly birds to the northern end of the park.
Mr. Morton, who is responsible for the Art Park in Badgely, said the whirly birds can be purchased for $74 to $99 according to size and can be sponsored by donations or memorials.
Department of Public Work members, who took down the curbing on the skating rink in the park this spring, can do the site work.
Trustee Fernandez said there will be a dedication area near the old rink and the current plaque will be moved or a new dedication plaque will be mounted.
