Funding to support park development and a new basketball court

[LIBERTY] – The Town of Thompson has been awarded the 2023 Golden Feather Community Impact Grant for the installation of a new playground and dog park at the East Mongaup River Park (formerly Town of Thompson Town Park). The Town was awarded a $250,000 state grant secured and presented by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and a $100,000 Sullivan 180 Grant presented by Sandra Gerry, Founding Chair of Sullivan 180. The Town’s in-kind contribution is $50,000 for a total grant package of $400,000.

Standing on the future site of the playground at East Mongaup River Park, from left to right: Shannon Cilento, Glenn Somers, Melinda Meddaugh, Sandra Gerry, Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Jill Weyer and Denise Frangipane.

“The Town of Thompson is very pleased to partner with Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Sandra Gerry from Sullivan 180 on this new venture to expand our town parks. This grant will facilitate a new ADA-compliant playground in the “Orchard at East Mongaup Park” and a dog park for our ‘best friends’. This will also enable public access to our trails and picnic areas along the East Mongaup River when our summer camp is operating and the north side of the park is reserved for the camp. We deeply appreciate the continued support from Aileen and Sandra and the faith they have in us to spend the money wisely for the benefit of the entire community,” said Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber.

“Seeing kids use this park puts a smile on my face. It makes it worth all the work and investment. We all work together—that’s what it’s all about,” said Town of Thompson Parks & Recreation Director Glenn Somers.

The Town of Liberty has been awarded the $100,000 Silver Feather Community Impact Grant for the construction of a basketball court in downtown Liberty. This funding, through Sullivan 180, is made possible through the Tim Stoddard Fund at the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan County.

“At last a long held vision for a public basketball court in downtown Liberty will be realized thanks to the generous Silver Feather award from Sullivan 180 along with our other funding partner, Liberty Properties. The Court will provide additional activity for our youth and folks of all ages as we envision leagues and tournaments to provide not only good, healthy exercise but entertainment for all. Thank you Sullivan 180!” said Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo.