AstroTurf coming to Seton Park

Posted

One of the most used parks in Riverdale is getting some renovations, just as enrollment with the South Riverdale Little League (SRLL) is growing more and more.

One of the site’s softball fields will see an AstroTurf installation, reducing mud and game cancellations.

The improvement is on the way thanks to a more than $1 million grant from state Sen. Jeff Klein, although there is no timetable yet. He also allocated $210,000 from the 2014-15 state budget to rebuild Seton Park’s basketball courts. Councilman Andrew Cohen’s predecessor, Oliver Koppell, allocated $900,000 of 2012 City Council funds to resurfacing nearby soccer fields. 

“We are working with Council Member [Andrew] Cohen and Senator [Jeff] Klein to make sure this project moves forward,” city Parks Department spokeswoman Sabirah AbdusSabur said in an e-mail. “As we are in the early stages of discussions with the community, it is premature to comment on possible scope and timeframe.”

With SRLL teams already struggling to find space, league president Peter Gauss said he hopes the renovations start after the spring season ends.

He added whenever the renovations do start, he would like to share sites currently used by the North Riverdale Little League.

“My ideal situation would be having softball teamed up with the north and having the rest of our senior games and probably our pee-wee and tee-ball down in Van Cortlandt [Park] if we had to,” Mr. Gauss said. “We live in a really good community where we do have the opportunity to get the access to those parks. It’s something that’s kind of in the back of my mind all the time.”

SRLL parent Lori Kenny called for a plan to keep parks besides Seton Park in shape so once the renovations there begin, there is no trouble finding alternate sites.

The league has seen steady growth for years. It expected to enroll more than 400 young ball players for the second season in a row, up from about 300 members four years ago, organizers previously told The Press.

“Making sure that the children and families who use the park have a safe, quality space to play is a top priority,” Mr. Klein said in a statement.

Seton Park, AstroTurf, Little League, Jonathan Reyes

Comments