RC Park Eyed in Middleburgh

MIDDLEBURGH - Radio-controlled cars are becoming more and more popular with children and adults and Chance Smigiel and Talya Shulman are seeking a place to build an RC park in Middleburgh.

Mr. Smigiel and Ms. Shulman spoke to the Middleburgh village board Monday evening and planned to attend the Middleburgh town board meeting on Thursday. 

An RC park would need space for a dirt oval for racing, a drag strip for racing, and a crawler/basher course (rocks, sticks, and more). In addition, there is need for a power source for some track prep and maintenance, and lights, and a shed for storage. Ms. Shulman said.

There might not be space in the village for an RC park, and officials suggested areas outside the village such as near the Little League fields, the Valley soccer fields on Route 30 in the Town of Fulton, and the "frog pond" located at the end of Christmas Tree Lane where the Valley Bible Church was located. Fred Risse suggested the "frog pond" and also said any plans have to go to the planning board.

There is interest in a park and they will be soliciting sponsorships. Mr. Smigiel and Ms. Shulman said they want community involvement. An insurance certificate and an operating board would be required by the town or village.

Though there is not much room for an RC park in the village, board members felt it was a great idea. Trustee Amanda Fernandez said that children in the village need more outdoor activities.

Ms. Shulman said the RC cars are not loud and also gave board members a demonstration of the RC cars in the community room of the library.

The RC park would be great for family involvement and would be "fun" and volunteers "would create something special," she said.