Earlier this year, the Village Board developed and signed into law the Park Land Fund. This law requires developers to set aside land or pay a fee when those developments create new lots within the Village. This new law will provide for an improvement of quality of life by creating new park lands or funding to improve existing ones. Also, during the past year, your board of trustees has been busy planning the largest improvement and upgrade to our park lands in decades. There are currently three projects underway simultaneously. A brief description is provided below. (A special thanks goes out to N.C. Legislator Dave Mejias who secured $90,000 in grants to help fund these projects.)

Village Green - Under the direction of Trustee George "Butch" Starkie the Village Green is being completely redesigned to compliment the gazebo. The Green's walkways have been redone with interlocking pavers, 16,000 square feet of new sod has been installed, a new in-ground sprinkler system has been completed, and new lighting is scheduled to be installed shortly. The new sidewalk at the rear of the Green has been installed beginning Phase II of the project which will also include handicapped parking, an upgraded sound system for the gazebo's summer concerts, as well as the installation of new 5-foot high estate fencing along Rose Street. The removal of existing shrubbery by the Village Department of Public Works, along with a new landscape design, has allowed for improved visibility of the gazebo from Main Street. In addition, a new water fountain purchased with generous donations by the Farmingdale Women's Club and our Village Fire Department is nearing completion.

New "Northside pocket park" - the Village has purchased the undeveloped land directly across from the Northside Elementary School from Nassau County for the mere sum of $1,000. This represents the first addition of park land to the Village in many decades. More importantly it allows for the preservation of open space and illustrates the village's commitment to the new Master Plan and Visioning Process. Landscape plans are currently being drawn for this property to provide an enhanced streetscape as well as a pocket park with no play equipment.

Grengras Park - After several decades of weathering rain, sleet, snow and the heat of summer, much of the children's play equipment is now worn and outdated. With grant money from the county, most of the equipment will be replaced or updated. Assisting in the restoration project are two Boy Scouts working on individual Eagle Scout projects. The park restoration is expected to be completed by early fall.

Trustee Pat Christiansen and I wish to extend a special invitation to every Farmingdale resident to attend the anniversary festivities planned for Sunday, July 8 at the newly renovated Village Green. The Village is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Village Hall, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Village Pops summer concerts.