Collins unveils plans for park expansion

     Town of Collins residents crowded into a meeting room at their library on March 23, eager to hear the Parks and Recreation Commission’s plans for expanding the town park and to give their input.

     Mark McHale, chairman of the Town of Collins Recreation Commission, presented a design drafted by town resident Jack Rider and outlined a three-phase plan to be implemented from 2004 through 2006.

     The main focus of the project is developing a parcel of land located between Bagdad Road and School Street in Collins. The property borders the existing park on the School Street side.

     “We’re hoping within the next few weeks that we can start grading the land,” McHale stated, adding that the weather will be a factor. Phase One, which is expected to be completed by fall 2004, also includes putting in underground pipe, installing a 10-inch water main, erecting a six-foot chain-link fence along the property line, and paving parking areas along Bagdad Road and School Street. A concession stand, restrooms and two pavilions will be constructed.

     Seeding will be done and the ground will be given time to settle before Phase Two begins. “We want to do it right and do it just once,” commented Joe Gernatt, the town’s highway superintendent.

     Many in the audience were pleased to learn that, during Phase Two, an eight-foot-wide paved pathway will be installed around the perimeter of the property for a total distance of three-fourths of a mile. A line down the center of the path will designate one side for walking and the other for roller blading and biking. Park benches and water fountains will be placed at intervals along the path.

     Other tasks scheduled for Phase Two are laying out Little League and Babe Ruth baseball diamonds and setting up dugouts. A multipurpose field will overlap part of the Babe Ruth diamond.

     There are plans to build an open-air amphitheater during Phase Two as well. McHale said that the Town of Collins hopes to begin having concerts in the park like the ones held by neighboring communities.

     The final aspect of Phase Two, which is slated for completion by fall 2005, is construction of park benches and picnic tables for the pavilions. “We will have volunteer community days as we get further into it with the pavilions and things. The more people we have, the quicker it will go up,” McHale remarked.

     A roller-hockey area and basketball and volleyball courts will be installed during Phase Three. Two playground structures will be set up near the new pavilions. The park by the old school in Collins Center will also receive a new playground structure.

     After hearing the plans, one Collins resident commented, “This development is very welcome. I think presently we have a beautiful town park, and this is going to add to it.”

     The town anticipates wrapping up the expansion project by fall 2006. McHale noted, “A lot depends on funding.”

     Town of Collins Supervisor Ken Martin told the audience that the board expects to invest a total of over $100,000 into the park expansion. Mary Clark, the town board’s liaison to the Recreation Commission, is seeking matching grant funds as well.

     Martin assured residents that there will not be a tax increase in conjunction with the project. He explained that the Town of Collins benefits from having the correctional facility because sales tax revenue is based upon population.

     Many of the residents who attended the meeting live in the vicinity of the town park in Collins. Recreation Director Cliff Wheeler related that trees or berms would be put in as noise barriers between the houses and the park.

     Some issues were raised regarding parking, safety and traffic. In particular, residents were concerned about the safety of children walking along the street to the park and the speed of traffic in the area.

     Wheeler added that many children will be walking back and forth between the park and the L.K. Painter Community Center, which is also utilized for Town of Collins Recreation programs.

     Wheeler requested that the town board consider posting a 15-mile-per-hour speed zone. Other possible solutions discussed were speed bumps and a sidewalk along School Street.

     “We’ll try to keep everybody updated,” McHale said. He can be contacted at 532-4862 for further information.