Renovation project at Grippen Park in Endicott is underway

ENDICOTT — Work continues on the $4.3 million renovation project at Grippen Park at 607 S. Grippen Ave. in Endicott. The development involves a “comprehensive” renovation of the building at the park, according to Broome County’s March 15 announcement. The county indicated it anticipates the renovations will wrap up in the next six months. Upon completion, the facility will include newly renovated restrooms, concessions, a new indoor track, and five new pickleball courts for the spring and summer seasons — along with side a new recreational ice rink for winter use. Additional community amenities will include a new wiffle ball stadium, flag-football field, new basketball court, rebounding wall, and a new accessible playground. Crews will also redesign and pave the parking lot. In addition, flood-resilience measures have been incorporated into the design of the park facility, prompted by the damage from the area flood of 2011. Crews will elevate any susceptible items above flood levels to mitigate potential damage. “Parks provide environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to local taxpayers. The result of completing the Grippen Park Renovation project will enhance and increase the number of active uses and improve the condition of the facilities at Grippen Park,” Brenda Gowe, Broome County’s director of parks, recreation & youth services, said in the announcement. “The renovation will also enhance real property values, create a more attractive community gathering space, and provide community services for all, but especially families and retirees. We are so excited to provide a vibrant, exciting, and welcoming facility for the residents of the surrounding neighborhood and the citizens of Broome County.” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D–Endwell), members of the Broome County Legislature, and other elected officials attended a March 15 groundbreaking ceremony to get the project started, per the Broome County announcement. Lupardo has secured $500,000 in funding toward the renovation work, the county noted. “It’s great to see the Grippen Park renovation getting underway. A lot of planning has gone into reimagining Grippen Park as a hub of year-round community activity, after years of decline,” Lupardo said. “The public will be very excited to learn about the indoor track, pickle ball courts, ice rink, basketball court and more; I know that I am. I’m happy to have supported the project with a [$500,000 New York] Assembly grant and would like to thank the County Executive and the Legislature for their hard work and dedication.” The enhancements position Grippen Park as a “central hub for the community,” offering year-round programming, sports leagues, and expanding events such as the Broome Bands Together summer concert series and Movies-in-the-Park programming. The county also envisions festivals, holiday celebrations, family fun days, and craft or hobby shows using the new and improved facilities. A spokesperson for Broome County tells CNYBJ that the project will happen in three phases with different contractors and designers involved. The contractors include Sanz Construction and Andrew Mancini, and the designers include C&S Companies and CPL.

Extension project

In addition to the building upgrades and added amenities, Broome County has secured more than $2.6 million in grant funding from the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for the Grippen Park and Chugnut Trail extension project. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance waterfront access and connectivity, with plans to expand public access along the Susquehanna River in the village of Endicott. The LWRP grant will support the creation of a trail connection to Grippen Park along the county’s waterfront, as well as a link to the nearby Round Top Park. This project is made possible with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.