New Memorial Park Playground, Picnic Area Near Completion

East Rockaway Mayor Fran Lenahan, joined by Deputy Mayor Bruno Romano, Trustee Stanley Lombardo, Trustee Ed Corrado and Trustee Richard Gogarty, announced this week that the new playground and picnic area at the village's Memorial Park is nearing completion and will be open for village residents in record time.

The new facilities at Memorial Park represent a $170,000 investment in the community. The funds were secured at no cost to the village taxpayer. The entire amount was given to the village in the form of a grant from the Nassau County Office of Community Development.

Under the supervision of Village Engineer Juan Garcia, the new playground will not only be larger in size than the previous facility, but its equipment will be in full compliance with the American Disabilities Act of 1990. It will even feature a new, ADA-compliant swing set.

Coupled with new fencing, a bocce ball court, benches and new sidewalks, Memorial Park will now offer features for every village resident, from children to seniors.

Two separate play areas will allow children ages 2-5 and 6-12 to play within their age group and with appropriate toys.

"I'm elated that my administration was able to keep its promise to upgrade and install new playground equipment at Memorial Park," Lenahan said. "Every family can now better enjoy the recreational opportunities in East Rockaway. However, what's most impressive is that this new equipment will be installed for use in record time and within budget -- that's something we can all be proud of, especially in time for the summer.

"This is another example of how I'm working with our village board to obtain grants and outside funding so that we can see more improvements to East Rockaway at zero cost to the taxpayer," Lenahan added.