Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Manager, Mary Beth Murphy Village Projects Update: Hillside Woods Fence, Chemka Pool Restoration, MacEachron Park and Uniontown Park - April 20, 2023

VILLAGE PROJECTS UPDATE- APRIL 20,2023

Dear Residents,

Hillside Woods Deer Exclosure Fence Installation:

As you may know, the Village solicited bids for the installation of a deer exclosure fence for the Hillside Woods portion of the Hillside Park & Woods property. The Village is undertaking this work to help restore the ecosystem of the woods. Additional landscaping and horticultural work is anticipated to commence this summer.

The project consists of installing 12-gauge farm fence, similar to the fencing that many homeowners use in their yards to deter deer, as well as the installation of “S” gates to enable people, but not deer to pass through. The fence is designed to keep the deer out while letting residents and visitors enjoy the woods. It also allows for restoration work to occur. Limited tree removal will take place to ensure that there is appropriate clearance on either side of the fence.

The fencing work will cause limited disruption to the trails that cross the fence line and intermittent noise is anticipated. The contractors will be using ATVs to transport materials and machinery as needed.

Work began on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Installation will begin where the Woods meets Children’s Village, proceed toward the Saw Mill River Parkway, and then toward Overlook Road. Work toward the school and along Overlook Road, and Edgewood Avenue will occur later.

Chemka Pool Restoration:

Work at the pool continues on schedule. The enclosed staircase to the pump room has been completed and is waterproofed to prevent infiltration in future storms. The area around the enclosed staircase has been seeded with grass and native pollinator friendly plants are scheduled to be planted once available at the nursery. A new sign is erected at the entrance to the building. See photos below for the update. Our contractor, Jennosa Pools Inc. has continued to take advantage of the recently fair weather to work diligently.

Portions of the roof are being repaired and the bathhouse is being refreshed with new paint.

The pools have been cleaned, painted, and are awaiting water.

The electrical panels and wiring have been completed to provide electricity to the building. The new pool pumps are scheduled to be installed by the middle of next week, along with the final electrical work and start-up the week of April 24th. The chemical control system is fully installed and we have received our first delivery of chlorine in preparation for the pools to be filled as part of start-up.

After start-up, the DOH inspection will be scheduled. We anticipate that the pool will be ready in early May. Opening date to the public is scheduled for May 27.

The photo below shows the completed enclosed staircase, part of the new driveway, and an installed emergency shower.
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Photo below shows the newly installed Chemka Pool sign.

Photo below shows the newly installed chemical control system, designed to regulate the chlorine and CO₂ in the pools.

Photos below show newly painted roof around the bathhouse.

Photos below show the painted Training Pool and Main Pool.

The timeline for the pool restoration of the pump room electrical and mechanical equipment and the completion date has not changed. Pool start-up is scheduled for April with a DOH inspection in late-April and operator training to follow. The pool should be ready by May. Opening date to public is scheduled for May 27.

The sidewalk on the west side of Chemka Pool Road was also replaced and raised and an improved crossing was put in place at Hillside Avenue, improving access for walkers to the Pool, Hillside Elementary School, and Hillside Park. See photos below.

The Village has also restored and improved the drainage on the north side of Farlane Drive, slowing the stormwater runoff. See photo below.

MacEachron Park Update:

Late last year, the Village purchased COIR logs to help prevent further erosion of the MacEachron Park shoreline. The COIR logs were installed at the beginning of the week. Additional COIR matting has been installed under and behind the logs to help prevent the continuing erosion of our waterfront park while additional rip rap and smaller stone will be brought in to bolster the shoreline. Topsoil has been placed on top of the matting behind the logs. The area will be seeded with grass. See photos below.

COIR logs looking south.

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Installed topsoil and hay. Seeding to follow.

Looking north: additional stone brought in to be distributed and help fill in the existing rip rap.

Uniontown Park:

On February 7, 2023, the Village Board authorized the Village to improve drainage, vehicular access, and resurface the basketball court for both basketball and pickleball. Preliminary tree work has been completed, rock has been removed, and a crushed stone roadway has been installed. The basketball courts will be temporarily closed during the resurfacing. This work will not negatively impact Little League play. See photos below.

The photos below show the preliminary clearing work behind the backstop.

The photos below show the new crushed stone driveway to improve access to the basketball courts around the backstop.

Pictured below is the newly installed drainage at the basketball courts. Resurfacing work remains.

The Village is excited about these facility updates, and we look forward to the late spring and summer season when they will be more fully enjoyed.

Thanks to Village Clerk Anthony Costantini for his continued interest in these projects and assistance with this update and to Parks Superintendent Aaron Podhurst for his oversight and photographs.

Regards,