By Ashley M. Casey
Staff Writer
Whether they’re trekking the trails or paddling a kayak, B’ville fun-seekers will have two parks and rec improvement projects to look forward to this summer. The village has received more than $80,000 in grants to improve the South Shore Trailhead and install rooftop boat launches at two parks.
At its April 7 meeting, the board of trustees voted to authorize contracts for both projects. Using $46,300 in Onondaga County Community Development funding, the village will add a parking area, informational kiosks and bicycle racks to the beginning of the South Shore East Trail, which is on the east end of Water Street.
Village engineer Steve Darcangelo said the project is still being reviewed by New York state, but could be completed late in the summer.
Baldwinsville will also use $37,000 in Canalway Grant money to install launch areas for kayaks and canoes at Mercer Park and Community Park.
“We have had a lot of demand for kayak launches, especially in Community Park,” Darcangelo said.
Darcangelo said the boat launches are designed to make it easier for people to get in and out of their kayaks. The project also includes a chair to help people who use wheelchairs maneuver between their wheelchairs and their boats.
The boat launches should be ready in mid- to late summer.
Upcoming events
Village officials highlighted a few upcoming events at the April 7 meeting:
Earth Day: Darcangelo said volunteer groups are welcome to clean up parts of the village on Earth Day, which is Saturday, April 23. Garbage bags and OCRRA stickers are available by calling the Baldwinsville Department of Public Works at 635-9665. A truck will be parked at the village hall for brush and trash.
Consensus: Representatives from Consensus will hold an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 25, at the village hall. “This is a fairly significant event in our lives, so I hope people come,” Mayor Dick Clarke said. “When things start to happen, you’re not sitting there wondering what’s going on.”
Coffee with the Mayor: Clarke will visit with constituents and answer their questions at Canton Woods Senior Center at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26.
