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Colburn Park Youth Sports Complex
This project is a joint venture between the Village of Newark and the Town of Arcadia. It involves the renovation of Colburn Park into a state of the art sports complex, which could be called the Colburn Park Youth Sports Complex. We have studied the idea since last August and have finally progressed to the stage where we need public input before we go any further. As with everything, Colburn Park is approaching the end of the life span of the renovations that were done in the 1970s, when the Village re-built the field and installed new lighting. The Village of Newark has spent thousands of dollars to try to maintain an acceptable playing field. It is time to upgrade the facility to provide our youth with better fields to play on. The present arrangement of the combination of football and baseball field makes it impossible to provide a good playing surface and inhibits our ability to attract a semi-pro or minor league baseball team We are currently in the process of forming a committee, which will include both of us, Village Operations Manager Jim Bridgeman, Town Highway Superintendent Dave Harder and Alex Eligh Community Center Director Mike Muscolino. When asked to serve on the committee, nobody even hesitated to respond, Yes, I will serve. Other officials and citizens may be asked as we progress. Pulling all of this together will certainly be a challenge; nonetheless, it is within our grasp if we can gain support from the citizens of Newark and Arcadia. While this is not the answer to all our problems, it is a quality of life issue that will add value to our community in many ways. We do not expect this facility to be a major employer, but it will create a few jobs and will bring people into our Town. With two separate playing fields, the new park could accommodate baseball as well as lacrosse, soccer and football. Beyond that, the complex would be an excellent place to hold other special community events and host sporting events for the Newark Central School District. We all understand the difficult economic times we are experiencing and make no claims that this will turn our local economy around. We do, however, believe that adding value to the community will indeed contribute to the framework needed to support our other goals. The goal of the committee is to facilitate the construction of the fields, buildings, etc. with little or no funds from local tax revenues. This is possible if we are willing to investigate creative solutions and make compromises if needed. This is one of many concepts that have an estimated cost of $750,000 to $1.8 million. Other options include the completing the project in phases, as suggested by State Senator Mike Nozzolio, who has indicated his support of the Colburn Park sports complex. Realistically, this project will need to include State and Federal grants, which are available but extremely competitive. We are confidant that the majority of funding is available through grants and in kind labor and equipment from the Village of Newark Department of Public Works and the Town of Arcadia Highway Department. Other contingencies could involve some degree of tax revenue, if our citizens support it. Public support is key and I assure you that we will not pursue the issue any further if general support is lacking. We both feel very strongly about this. If you want this, we will work very hard to make it happen. With that in mind and with total respect for your wishes and needs, we now ask for your input. This includes any creative ideas or solutions you may have, as well as your general support or opposition to the entire project or portion thereof. You may send us your thoughts either by phone, mail or e-mail. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Colburn Park Youth Sports Complex.
Signed by Dick Colacino, Arcadia Supervisor (331.0414); cell 315.573.4067 and Peter Blandino, Mayor of Newark (331.4770) pblandino@villageofnewark.com Copyright
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