Grant will fund new playground equipment in Pound Ridge

Pound Ridge has been awarded $647,853 through the Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization initiative to renovate and replace aging playground equipment at the Town Park playground.

The award was announced Sept. 22 by Gov. Kathy Hochul as part of $67.5 million in NY PLAYS grants statewide.

The Town Park playground project will replace equipment installed in the early 1990s that has reached the end of its useful life despite ongoing maintenance and repairs. Recent safety inspections have identified the need for replacement.

“The Town Park Playground is one of our most heavily used public recreational facilities, and this grant represents a significant investment in the future of our community,” Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan said. “We are grateful to Gov. Hochul and New York state for recognizing the importance of maintaining safe, accessible and welcoming recreational spaces for children and families. This funding will allow us to provide a modern playground that can serve our community for many years to come.”

The renovated playground will feature equipment designed to be ADA-compliant and accessible to children and families with a wide range of physical, sensory and cognitive abilities. 

“The playground is at the heart of our park and our summer camp program, and this funding gives us the opportunity to create a safer, modern and fully accessible space that children of all abilities can enjoy for many years to come,” said Richard Wetchler, chairman of the town’s Recreation Commission. 

“Having grown up playing on the current Town Park playground, I know how much this space means to Pound Ridge families,” said Melissa Farella, the town’s recreation leader. “Our Recreation Department is thrilled to receive this grant and to help create an inclusive, multigenerational space where children, caregivers, and older residents can play, move, and connect. With accessible paths, ground-level play, and places to rest, the renovated playground will welcome community members of all ages and abilities for years to come.”

The Town Park Playground is open 365 days a year, free of charge, and serves residents and visitors from communities throughout the region, including neighboring municipalities in New York and Connecticut. It is also an important part of the Town’s recreation programming. More than 350 children participate in the Town’s summer camp program each year, with campers using the playground daily during the six-week program. Approximately one-third of participants in the town’s recreation programs are nonresidents, underscoring the park’s regional role.

Farella said the work should be complete for the 2027 summer camp and pool season.

“We’re moving quick on this one,” she said Thursday. “We’re very excited.”