Lawrence plans Zion Park expansion on land PPL sought

To improve and expand Zion Park, the Village of Lawrence filed an application in February with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for a $25,000 tree planting and management grant. The village also formed a three-member committee to offer improvement recommendations.

Currently, the 1½-acre Zion Park has some playground equipment — but no swings — and due to its popularity, the village is planning to add nearly 30 feet of property at the rear of the park.

The proposed expansion would incorporate land that the Peninsula Public Library had long sought for a new building. The village denied the library’s request to relocate to the rear of the park, in part because of parking concerns.

“We are expanding Zion Park by about two car-lengths at the back of the park and will add some swings,” said Mayor Martin Oliner, who noted that the improvement-recommendation committee, which is made up of three residents — Myrna Breitman, Rebbitzen Horowitz and Jan Schecter — has yet to meet.

The mayor said that although Zion Park is not as large as Cedarhurst’s village park, it is heavily used. “It’s one of those old-fashioned amenities that needs to be updated,” Oliner said. The park now features three different play areas with slides and climbing apparatus, a few benches and a flagpole by a large memorial plaque dedicated to those who served in the military.

The types of trees that would be purchased and planted would depend on the recommendation of a botanist associated with the grant program, the mayor explained. All of the trees would be planted in the park. The committee of residents is expected to report to Oliner in the near future with recommendations for the park that could include where benches are placed, he said.

The village paid the engineering firm Nelson Pope & Voorhis $1,500 to prepare the grant application. Lawrence will compete against other municipalities for the grant, according to Lori Severino, a spokeswoman for the DEC. The grant is expected to be awarded before June, she added.

“Proposals should demonstrate how an urban forestry project will improve tree cover in parks or open spaces, have a positive impact on urban air and water resources, enhance the quality of urban life and improve associated public heath,” said Severino, explaining that if the village were awarded the grant, it would go ahead with the project and then be reimbursed for its costs.

Severino noted that several studies have shown that trees improve air and water quality, help reduce flooding, increase property values and improve the quality of life for both the people and the animals that live around them. Through their root systems and leaves, trees remove air and water pollutants, while a tree canopy can provide shady relief on a hot, sunny day. “When people enjoy spending time in their neighborhoods,” she said, “they develop pride and a sense of ownership in their communities.”

Lawrence Village Trustee Michael Fragin, who seconded the motion at the Jan. 13 board meeting to approve payment to the engineering firm, said that he looks forward to hearing the residents committee’s report because he has heard some good ideas, but no details. Fragin said he believes that obtaining grants to help pay for projects such as the planting of trees can only help the village.

“Trees are number 1, beautiful, and number 2, environmentally valuable,” Fragin said. “We’re looking to get grants, and are pursuing a strategy to get outside money, along with taxpayer dollars, to benefit residents.”