Look How Far We’ve Come!
 
Just a short time ago, we called upon our local community of neighbors and businesses to help us build a better playground at the Maple Ridge Park. This park, located off of Elm Avenue East in the Town of Bethlehem, services more than 374 families that live in the Enclave, Dutch Mills and Haswell Farms. When we called, the community answered!
 
In March, a group of motivated neighbors formed the Friends of Maple Ridge Park to raise money for the cause. Our fundraising efforts to date have generated approximately $7,000, that helped us contribute to the playground equipment being purchased by the Town of Bethlehem. On June 10, 2006, more than 50 volunteers from the neighborhood, the Parks & Recreation Department, Verizon and the Selkirk Fire Department braved the wind and rain to help install the equipment. Food was provided by Hannaford, Dunkin Donuts and Subway of Glenmont. After eight hours of very hard work, the playground was completed. Check out the photos of the Installation. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the day!
 
The playground consists of two distinct play areas. For drawings of the apparatuses supplied by Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, see the plans. The first play area is smaller and lower with 3 slides, designed for toddlers ages 2 to 5. The larger apparatus is geared toward older children, ages 6 and up. It contains a rock wall, multiple slides, crawling tunnels and a raised play platform more than 8 feet off the ground. There are also two swing sets, one for babies and toddlers, the other for older children. There are also plans to create a walking path around the perimeter of the park.
 
Just because the playground is open for business, doesn’t mean that our work is done. We have turned our attention toward raising funds to build an open pavilion with picnic tables at the top of the hill near the playground. This pavilion would offer shade from the sun in the summer months, while also serving as a respite for sledders and their parents in the winter months.
 
It’s not too late to donate! If you would like to contribute to our efforts, please mail you tax-deductible donation to:
 
Friends of Maple Ridge Park
c/o Chris Hull
37 Chesterwood Drive
Selkirk, NY 12158
 
*All checks should be made payable to the Town of Bethlehem, with “Friends of Maple Ridge Park” noted in the memo field. All donations of $100 or more will receive special recognition at the park in the fall on our Community Board.
 
If you have any questions about the Maple Ridge Park, please contact Nan Lanahan, Administrator for the Town of Bethlehem Parks & Recreation Dept., at (518) 439-4131 or via email. If you would like to assist with fundraising or are interested in donating your time or efforts, please contact April Elkovitch at (518) 478-0733 or via email.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard thus far to make this tremendous project a reality. By working together, we have built an outstanding playground for our families to use and enjoy for many years to come. Thank you for your continued support!

- Friends of Maple Ridge Park