One of the most common complaints about Gagliardo Park is its volume. To fix it, City Engineer Ryan Coyne is asking members of the community to make a little more noise.
At a public meeting Thursday to discuss possible improvements for the deteriorating park, Coyne was asked why the Rye Recreation Commission thinks a grant request will be successful this time around, after multiple attempts to secure state funding failed in the past.
“The more input we get from the public,” Coyne said, “the better chance the state will see this is an important issue for the residents of the city of Rye.”
The commission published an online survey after the meeting, and Coyne implored residents to share input about what they want to see in the 2.5-acre park in West Rye. The survey will remain open until May 29, then a second community meeting will take place.
Based on discussion in the first meeting, the noise generated by highway traffic on I-95 is among the biggest issues. One attendee, Lina Eroh, said she and her family have lived by Gagliardo Park since 2017, giving them a first-hand look as the park has fallen into disarray.
Without an adequate sound barrier in place, Eroh said the park is so loud children can’t hear a parent speaking to them.
“We know that it’s an important part of doing all this worthwhile work – bringing some of that sound down and making it a nicer environment for everybody that’s inside the park,” said Rye Recreation Commission Chairman Rick McCabe.
William McNicol, Eroh’s neighbor, also said he doesn’t use the park, citing noise as a primary issue.
“We live in an area where kids can’t walk to a park,” he said.
Coyne presented possible concepts for the overhaul of the park, including a main feature – likely a little league diamond or soccer field – supplemented by another sport court, mini pitch, bike playground, or fitness court. More elaborate options included a tree house playground, concrete games, and ice skating.
No designs have been drawn, and Coyne frequently emphasized that the restoration plan is in early conceptual stages and will be heavily informed by how residents engage with the survey and other public forums.
After receiving input, the commission will adjust the plan accordingly and prepare for grant funding applications, which open in June or July. Notification of approval or denial could come in December or as late as spring 2027, after which the commission and city will supplement grant funding as needed and begin construction, resulting in a roughly two-year timeline.
“We’re as prepared as we can be right now,” Coyne said. “We know the process and we’ve done it before.”
Members of the Gagliardo family were also on hand, and talked about the importance of restoring the park that’s become known as “The Gag.” The park is named in honor of Samuel P. Gagliardo, who was killed in action during his service in World War II.
“This upgrade is not just about new equipment or landscaping,” said Samuel’s grandson, John Gagliardo. “It’s about preserving his story and ensuring that future generations understand the meaning behind the name.”
The Gagliardo Park improvements survey can be found at engage.ryeny.gov/gagliardo-park.
