POTSDAM — Potsdam Village Mayor Reinhold J. Tischler announced today (Monday, May 3) that the village will begin the Garner Park Renovation Project this month.

Garner Park is located at the west end of Raymond Street on the Raquette River.

Dedicated to the late Ruth F. Garner, a long-time village trustee and mayor, the park was initially developed in the late 1980’s and is ready for a make-over, said a press release from the village.

“The renovation of Garner Park is the first step in the Village’s development of the Downtown Riverwalk Trail that will provide unparalleled access to Potsdam’s downtown waterfront,” said Tischler.

The development and construction of the Downtown Riverwalk was included in Potsdam’s “Downtown Revitalization Initiative” plan submitted to New York State in late 2020.

Renovation work at the park will include the installation of new sidewalks, LED street lighting, park furnishing, river swings and landscaping.

The price tag for the park project is $301,725.

Funding for the Garner Park Renovation Project is provided by a grant under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund - New York State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, a state and municipal facilities grant provided by state Sen. Joseph Griffo, and financial support from Clarkson University and Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

The university and hospital each contributed $50,000 for the renovation of the park.

The village will contribute cash and the Department of Public Works will be responsible for demolition work and installation of the new streetlights, the press release said.

“This truly is a community-based effort to enhance our downtown area and provide our Village residents and visitors to the community with a unique waterfront experience on the Raquette River,” Tischler said.

“Our local parks play a major role in enhancing our communities, which is why I was pleased to have secured funding for the renovations at Garner Park,” Senator Griffo said. “This project will modernize a beloved community asset and provide the public with an inviting space to enjoy the outdoors and gather together.”

“The Village of Potsdam and the North Country is truly a great place to live, learn, study and visit. Creating more places in the downtown area that encourage recreation, relaxation and engagement with local businesses and organizations benefits college students and year-round residents alike,” said Anthony G. Collins, President of Clarkson University. “We are committed to this project that honors a long-time public servant and the associated learning opportunities for our students to be involved in its planning.”

Landscape design firm Chazen Companies of Troy will be handling the design work on the project. Chazen Companies previously guided the village’s development of its 2012 Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan and provided design services for the renovation of Ives Park in 2015.

J.E. Sheehan Contracting Corporation of Potsdam has been selected as the general contractor for the Garner Park renovation project through a competitive bidding process.

Tischler said work will begin at Garner Park in May and be fully complete by early September.

For more information on the project contact Planning and Development Director Frederick Hanss at fhanss@vi.potsdam.ny.us or 315-265-1670.