In February 2020, LCDC president Bill Evans briefed the board on the planned playground renovations, which will be paid for by $400,000 in local grants and private donations. Partnering with Parkitects of Buffalo, the Village Parks and Recreation Committee and neighboring property owners, LCDC researched and designed a new layout for the playground that will include a zip-line, hill racing slides, a custom treehouse, new park walkways and new parking spaces.

“Look at the plans for this, it is so much fun,” Trustee Ellen Barnes said. “It makes me wish I were a kid again. I’m really looking forward to this project taking shape and taking place. I can’t thank you and your organization enough for taking this on.”

The new playground will be set in the same footprint as the current one, which was constructed in 1999. As part of its motion of support, the village agreed to contribute some ancillary labor and maintenance costs for the construction project. As of Monday’s meeting, $125,000 has been raised from private donations.

“LCDC is really excited to bring this project to Lakewood,” Evans told the board. “We think it is going to benefit the children, help attract young families to the village, and help drive traffic on Chautauqua Avenue. We appreciate you considering the motion that is up for a vote tonight and we look forward to getting this project rolling.”

Hartley Park, located on Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood, will be the site of a major playground redesign thanks to the work of the Lakewood Community Development Corp., which has already raised $125,000 in private donations for the project.

More information on the park redesign can be found at lcdcny.org.