Ogdensburg gets $799,569 grant for Charles W. Kelly Memorial Park
Ogdensburg was awarded $799,569 through New York’s NY PLAYS program for improvements at Charles W. Kelly Memorial Park, while the city’s Historic Preservation Commission has raised concerns about possible unmarked graves at the site.
Ogdensburg has been awarded $799,569 through the state NY PLAYS program for improvements at Charles W. Kelly Memorial Park. The proposed work includes upgrades to the Hamilton Street Playground, sports courts and community space. The project was previously estimated at $939,461, and the program can cover up to 80% of eligible costs, with the city responsible for the remainder.
The Ogdensburg Historic Preservation Commission has asked the city to investigate the park’s history before construction that could disturb the ground. In an Aug. 21 letter to the City Council, the commission said the site was used as a cemetery by local Presbyterian and Episcopal churches from 1820 to 1863, and that some remains may still be there. The commission requested ground-penetrating radar to help identify possible burial areas before work begins. The grant is part of $67.5 million announced for 89 playground projects across New York.
This story was written from a community submission and reviewed by a ClickNNY editor before publication.