NYC Gazette

Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today with Assemblymember Didi Barrett at the Eddie Collins Memorial Park to visit the recent additions and planned site of the park’s new pool facilities.

“A new pool is another step in our continued efforts to provide all communities accessible opportunities to swim,” said Speaker Heastie. “Assemblymember Barrett has been committed to ensuring the Eddie Collins Memorial Park has the funding they need to provide an extraordinary community space that families will enjoy for generations.”

“I’m pleased to welcome Speaker Carl Heastie back to my district and to announce funding for a new, state-of-the-art pool and pool house at Eddie Collins Memorial Park,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “This park has been an integral part of the northeastern Dutchess community for generations, and I worked closely with Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek, North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan and the project leaders to help them secure phase one funding, including $125,000 for handicap-accessible bleachers at the baseball field. Today’s announcement will ensure that phase two of this important project will be completed, and that residents and visitors alike will have a place to learn to swim and to gather.”

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Barrett met with North East Town Supervisor Chris Kenna, Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek, and Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago to visit the Eddie Collins Memorial Park. Since 2021, the Town of North East and the Village of Millerton have been revitalizing the Eddie Collins Memorial Park through a multi-phase construction project that has led to the completion of a new basketball court, soccer field, little league diamond, and playground equipment.

The park is now focused on phase two of their plan with the construction of a swimming pool and pool house facility. To cover the expected $7.5 million cost of phase two, the Town of North East and the Village of Millerton are applying for state grant funding. Today, Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Barrett pledged to fill any gaps in the $7.5 million not covered by state grants to ensure the park is fully completed for residents.