As part of its continuing outreach, the town would like to know your thoughts on how the HAMLET Park (located SW of the 22/23 intersection) could be made more useful and enjoyable. Now that the continued water retention issues has been mitigated by the Highway Department, the Hamlet Committee is seeking funding for various improvements and amenities. Please take a few minutes to fill out the following survey:
https://tinyurl.com/HamletParkSurvey
The Hamlet Park has been a beloved asset in the center of Hillsdale for generations. It is located behind the Columbia County Sheriff’s Substation on Route 23, with a second entrance on Maple Street, and two convenient parking areas.
The Park was originally owned by the Young Peoples Village Improvement Association of Hillsdale. It was deeded to the Town on July 12, 1988. Over the years there have been many community activities; little league, baseball and basketball games, children's playground, Community Day festival and the original Hillsdale Farmers Market. Enhancements were added in the early 2000s: a restored basketball court, LED lighting and new playground equipment, thanks to a series of yearly fund raisers, “Flowers to Power the Parks.”
Since then many community events have brought visitors and citizens alike to the Hamlet including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, “Jams in the Hamlet” music series, the Flea Market, KIDSDALE, Antique Car Show, and Pumpkin Festival.
The Hamlet Park is an essential part of the community, but over the years has suffered from decreased usage. Presently the Hamlet Committee is supporting the Town of Hillsdale’s work to restore this important site to meet the needs and interests of all its residents. Planning is underway for updated amenities that are accessible for all ages and physical abilities.
As a first step, in 2019 a landscape/architectural firm, Chazen & Associates Cos. was hired to do an analysis of needs. After extensive outreach using questionnaires, in person community meetings and site visits, a master plan was completed and presented to the community. The Town Board approved the master plan, and funding sources were researched. Unfortunately, the Town did not receive a grant for the wholescale improvement to the park.
Fast forward to 2024: The Hillsdale Highway Department was able to mitigate the drainage issues by re-grading the slope of the park, adding a layer of gravel underneath the grass and adding a pipe leading to the existing drainage system. The Hamlet Committee is researching how to proceed with many of the items contained in the Chazen plan. To that end, additional public input is being solicited (https://tinyurl.com/HamletParkSurvey).
Stay tuned for more updates!