A Field, Perchance a Field of Dreams?

Many residents, in recent months, have asked our elected officials to consider alternatives to turfing Nursery Field in the community-wide quest for more youth playing fields. 

Recalling that the field which lies between Playland Amusement Park and Edith Read Sanctuary was once the site of baseball, softball, and soccer games, we reached out to County Executive George Latimer. He confirmed that the field is County property and, further, that nothing in the County’s operating agreement with Standard Amusements, which operates Playland, would prevent the space from being used for public purpose. Latimer then put us in touch with Peter Tartaglia, First Deputy Commissioner of Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department.

Regrettably, explained Tartaglia, “The area has suffered such erosion from major storms in the past two decades that it is no longer appropriate for ballfield use. While it will remain open space, its main purpose is to protect the lake in storm surges.” 

Tartaglia was, however, pleased to report that the County is starting a “Living Shoreline” project in the spring. “The width of the shoreline has shrunk, and to prevent further degradation there  we are going to add a significant number of plants.”