Garden City Recreation Director Kevin Ocker enabled residents to take a closer look at the black, estate-style fencing proposed for the fields at St. Paul's during a brief presentation Dec. 2 at village hall. The fence, which received mixed reviews by both residents and board members, is just one feature suggested in Phase III of the St. Paul's Open Space Improvement Project. The cost of the five-foot fence, which would run along Stewart Avenue and a section of Rockaway Avenue, would be directly offset by a $90,000 commitment Senator Kemp Hannon was able to secure when the Senate and Assembly passed the 2004-05 state budget. "The village would be reimbursed for this particular item," Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, Jr. said.

The project's third installment also suggests incorporating an eight-foot wide walking path made of crushed limestone rolled in place. This item has also come up against opposition, particularly from those residents whose properties abut the fields. Ocker noted that, as far back as 1998, a perimeter path has always been proposed.

At the Recreation Commission's request, a survey company re-established property lines. According to Ocker, the path's proposed locations vary from 30 to 100 feet off the property line so as to not destroy the natural environment, particularly mature vegetation - trees and shrubs - that currently exist. "We do not want to remove any of this vegetation just for the sake of reclaiming the area," Ocker admitted. A 100 foot buffer has always existed from the property line to the edge of the fields so spectators can still enjoy a sporting event without being "on top" of the property line. "We will continue to do that," he said.

The proposed path's route would "gently" circumnavigate the fields as not to take away any programmable space. If this element of Phase III moves forward, it would, according to Ocker, provide over 5,000 feet of walkable space. Many residents believe a path poses a danger. Resident Bob Sullivan asked Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo his take on the path.

"We need the ability to do a pass by and if [the path] is up against the Hampton Road side, we can't," he admitted. "The types of problems we'll see are crimes of opportunity."

Trustee Peter Negri, who was under the impression that the primary reason for erecting the fence was safety, believes, as seeing a computer image of the proposal, the fence is "substantial." "Did you give any consideration to a more natural buffer? Something that's softer to the eye than a big, black fence?" he asked Ocker, who said that numerous discussions never wavered, even back to 1999, when it was documented to consider an estate-style fence. "A true safety factor could not be obtained by trees. It just doesn't make safety absolute," Ocker replied.

Phase III also entails constructing a 960 square foot comfort station on the "field side" of the parking lot. The building would be constructed of cultured stone and include an attached breezeway to shelter the entrance. According to Ocker, a parking attendant would be on call to aid in overseeing the fields, which he admits are currently heavily programmed.

A playground with two separate play areas - one for pre-school aged children and another for elementary aged children - is also proposed. An estate-style fence, at three-and-a-half feet high, would surround the area and parents would have the opportunity to sit in a centrally located gazebo while their children are utilizing the grounds. Bike racks and benches positioned close to the building are also on the table.

Ocker also detailed a possible "life trail" directly targeting the village's growing senior and adult population. The trail would offer 10 outdoor wellness stations that residents could utilize during a well-rounded fitness workout. "It ties in perfectly with the [recreation department's] Hearts N Parks program and the desire and need to do more for [Garden City's] adult population," he said.

With much more discussion among the public and the board, Trustee Robert Rothschild, who believes a permanent barrier is needed rather than shrubbery, suggested moving forward. "I don't want to see this stop because there's a lot of good pieces to it," he said.

Trustees unanimously agreed to move ahead with the comfort station, associated sewer system and playground area and return to the Recreation Commission the proposed fencing and walking path elements for further study. "No one objects to those recommendations the Recreation Commission has brought forth," Rothschild said.

The Recreation Commission will then bring their suggestions before the board of trustees. Ocker said he'd like to share the comments made at the Dec. 2 meeting with the various commissioners and get their feedback. Most likely, the board will unanimously approve the contracts to move forward with the playground, comfort station and associated sewer system at the Dec. 16 board meeting.