Major Delhi Park Development Undertaking Explored

Long-term proposed plans for Delhi Town Park on Page Avenue.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - The Delhi Town Council is exploring a major undertaking to revamp and expand the current park and pool area on Page Avenue. Sean Leddy with the Delaware County Department of Planning, Park, and Watershed Affairs developed a conceptual master plan. He presented ideas at the regular board meeting on April 14.

"This plan is a first step in getting all the ideas over the years in one cohesive concept," said Supervisor Maya Boukai, "And will really help make our grant applications stronger."

The plan includes development of a Main Street entrance, expanded parking, sidewalks, and pool deck, an entryway kiosk, tree plantings, park signage, and more. The village is willing to help with developing sidewalks, said Boukai.

Outlined in plans are designs for a 20ft by 40ft pavilion, accommodating roughly 80 people. A smaller pavilion is similarly planned at 14ft by 20ft to accommodate party sizes of 20 to 30. If developed, the council hopes to rent pavilions out.

The plan layout shows the possibility of removing the kiddy pool to install a splash pad. Other undertakings include pool showers, water fountains, and rain gardens.

Councilmember Margaret Baldwin asked for the council and Leddy to consider previously developed ideas for playground expansion to ensure the master plan does not impede on such goals. The playground area was updated in 2023, and plans for the project included space for additional equipment.

Without an official financial outline, Leddy assured the council that plans ranged under a million dollars.

"We will eventually have to figure it out because we are going to beg for money for it," said Councilmember Matt Krzyston.

Leddy will develop a budget for grant opportunities.

"This represents everything you could or want to do," explained Leddy. The town can decide how to approach each objective with a familiarity of long-term goals, he concluded.

"Our next steps are to work with Mr. Leddy to determine how to phase the project," said Boukai.

This summer season the park area will have a new concession stand area. The council has been working on bringing the building by the Page Avenue entrance up to code. The outside of the structure is completed and awaiting sign-off from Code Enforcement Officer Dale Downin, Boukai reported. The project will move on to internal repairs for use this summer.

The original intent of the project, said Krzyston, was to rent the space to be used as a concession stand. All goods must be pre-baked or cooked. A permit through the town is expected to be required before renting the space.

The playground will be furnished with 100 cubic yards of fresh wood chips. Benjamin Brothers was awarded the bid at $3,600. The chips were last replaced three years ago.

The town was awarded $2,350 from the county youth bureau program, which assists in hiring summer help. Boukai reported all lifeguards from last season will return, and a few new individuals are in training.

The council agreed to forgo offering swim lessons, while SUNY Delhi is offering a series of free lessons from July to August. The town will offer water aerobics and potentially have private lessons from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and other lessons in June.

In other business

Janet Tweed is taking over as Delhi Beautification Committee Chair.

Town Historian Marianne Greenfield is working on a project to identify revolutionary war veteran grave sites. She is seeking support from anyone willing to volunteer time or who has relevant information. She is struggling to locate Henry and Jacob Planter and Gideon Hammond. Greenfield can be reached at 607-267-2708.

Following a public hearing, the town approved an adjustment to the zoning code. The change permits the town to retain experts on permit requests and request applicant reimbursement for site reviews needed.

Delhi was awarded $50,000 from ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) for a joint comprehensive plan with the village.

The council raised insurance deductibles for public officials and general liability to $5,000. Savings will amount to $1,350 annually. Councilmember Josh Morgan opposed it.

The board unanimously agreed to remove the permit restriction on the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, which stipulates the tower must be locked unless stewards are on site.

The council entered an executive session to discuss the employment history of an individual. No decisions were made.

The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m.