The Village of Ballston Spa gave land approval for a PUBLIC PLAYGROUND IN KELLEY
PARK this fall. The group who is fundraising for this effort is newly
established and formed from a cross-section of our residents called “Friends and
Neighbors of Ballston Spa.”
LOCATION: Kelley Park is a public playground with access to a newly
installed nature trail, picnic area, dog park, restrooms, the Kayderosseross
Creek and across from the highly utilized community pool. This is a prime
location that promotes various recreation activities and family daytrips.
IDEOLOGY: We are promoting inclusion with considerations made for all
ages and abilities. Wheel-chair swings, ground level activities and other
accessible elements will be included that encourage “play for all”.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: It is truly a “hands-on” opportunity for community
groups and individuals to be active in improving our recreation facilities by
taking part in the actual construction of the playground.
EDUCATIONAL ELEMENT: Ideas for playground design and promotion will come
from our own children in the Ballston Spa Central School District (k-12). The
younger children will be a part of a “design day” where children will help dream
up their ideal playground and submit artwork. Curricula will be developed at the
high school level to utilize the skills of older students. Web design, CAD
design and business promotion will be aspects of “real-world” class projects to
develop the playground.
PLAYGROUND DESIGN: Leathers and Associates has been selected as our
playground design company. They are out of Ithaca, NY and specialize in
custom-built playgrounds. We hope to incorporate historical aspects (such as a
replica of the Old Iron Spring) as part of the architecture. The design will
reflect our unique perspective as Ballstonians. Their work can be viewed at
their website at
www.leathersassociates.com.
While we do not wish to diffuse any other efforts, we do want to differentiate
so that fundraising is appropriate and contributions are deliberate. Our
community has a lot to offer thanks to the various community groups, volunteers
and political advocates. We hope that you will join us in our goal for
improvement and revitalization. Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to
contact us.
