The Village of New Hyde Park and the New Hyde Park Little League are stepping up to the plate.
Mayor Christopher Devane announced during the Thursday night board of trustees meeting that the village is planning to add turf to the large baseball field at Memorial Park.
The cost of the upgrade for the field’s infield will be paid for in part by the New Hyde Park Little League, which is contributing $100,000 to the $350,000 cost.
“This is a partnership that I know the board is proud of and shows a commitment to our infrastructure,” Devane said.
The village currently has three fields for use, including two at Memorial Park, one large and one smaller field, and a field at Nuzzi Park.
Due to the upcoming demolition and construction of a DPW building next to it, Nuzzi Park will be unusable for at least two baseball seasons, Devane said.
The mayor said after having a discussion with the league he proposed changing the large field, which has bases 90 feet apart from each other, into a smaller field that has bases 60 feet apart so little leaguers can replace the field they will be losing at Nuzzi.
Adding turf will allow tee-ball, softball and different levels of baseball, which includes a field that uses an infield of bases 75 feet apart.
Devane said he was surprised by the league’s commitment to help the village with the project, and even more so when he was told they would be providing $50,000 upfront and paying the other half over five years.
“Something like this is unheard of for an organization to step up to the plate like this, invest in themselves and invest in our kids,” Devane said.
Devane said the village is hoping to get work on the field started and completed by next spring ahead of opening day for the league.
“I think it’s going to be a great collaboration and a great thing for Memorial Park and our children,” Devane said.
Memorial Park has seen a number of renovations in recent years including new fencing, bocce courts, a dog park honored after former Trustee Donald Barbieri, resurfaced basketball courts, a memorial and a brand new playground, among other things.
In unrelated news, Devane said the village will be going out to bid for the new community center and DPW building sometime in the first half of 2024.
There are also no plans before the board to redevelop the current property of Miller Brothers Plumbing and Heating located at 1324 Jericho Turnpike, Devane said.
