Endicott $4 million park renovation project adds pickleball courts, walking track
Standing in front of the renovated community building, which sports various covered pickleball courts and a walking track, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced the park's grand reopening.
Garnar was joined by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Director of Broome County Parks, Recreation and Youth Services Brenda Gowe, Broome County Legislator Greg Baldwin and Grace Merrill, a representative from state Senator Lea Webb's office.
Renovation efforts at the park began in March 2024, with the project costing a total of $4 million. Funding for the project was provided by the Broome County Legislature, a $500,000 grant secured by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and $2 million from a New York State local waterfront grant.
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According to Garnar, the renovations have given the park a new lease on life following devastating flood damage from 2011.
"Grippen Community Park is alive again," he said. "This is a place where families will gather, kids will play, neighbors will connect and memories will be made for generations to come."
Garnar said the park will become a community anchor thanks to the new renovations, as well as seasonal events including a fall festival and a holiday festival later in the year.
As part of improvements made to the park, a Wiffle ball stadium, outdoor basketball court and rebounding wall have all been added. The park has been made accessible, which will allow more residents to make use of the newly improved grounds.
"The park has been rebranded as the Grippen Community Park, and that's a name which really reflects the shift from a single-purpose facility to a big community hub where lots of different events and family fun can happen," said Merrill.
For Baldwin, who grew up and still lives just blocks from the park, the renovation project represents the chance for generations old and new to enjoy a park that has been a neighborhood staple.
"I've been in this neighborhood all my life," said Baldwin. "To see it now, and to see what it was, I am just so excited to have it. We appreciate it, and everybody in this community appreciates it because people will come, have a great time and get some exercise."
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Revamped Grippen Community Park opens with pickleball courts, walking track
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