HYDE PARK – Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced a $170,000 county grant for improvements at Hyde Park’s Hackett Hill Park on Wednesday afternoon. Molinaro made the surprise announcement while standing with town officials at an unveiling of improvements at a different town park.
According to Molinaro, the funding is being distributed through the Dutchess County Municipal Investment Grant program. The announcement was met with a large round of applause by those gathered at Dinsmore Park. The award is in response to an application filed by the town in which they sought funds to improve access and ADA compliance at the 45-acre park in the center of town.
Molinaro said Hyde Park’s application sought to improve accessibility for people of all abilities at the large park that includes a pool, disc golf course, pavilion, multi-use field, and hiking trails. This funding will help “break down barriers and create ADA compliance and accessibility,” Molinaro remarked.
Town Supervisor Aileen Rohr literally jumped up in cheer when she heard the news. According to Rohr, the application was the result of requests by residents to make the park more user-friendly. The plan, she noted, took three years to develop and sought input from residents, the recreation department, and the town engineer. “We’re thrilled that the county was able to see that this is a great way for the town to come together,” Rohr said. The application included plans for new ADA swings and improved surfaces to make navigation through the park easier to accomplish.
