Saturday, October 24, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Historic Preservation Commission says Hamilton Park was once the city’s main cemetery and urged the city to investigate before moving forward with any plans to dig …
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BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This WeekOGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Historic Preservation Commission says Hamilton Park was once the city’s main cemetery and urged the city to investigate before moving forward with any plans to dig there.
The committee asked the city to use ground-penetrating radar before any work that could disturb the property which is being eyed for upgrades in an Aug. 21 letter to the Ogdensburg City Council.
The commission said the property served as a burial ground for the local Presbyterian and Episcopal churches from 1820 to 1863. A new cemetery was established on the east side of the Oswegatchie River in 1863, and the town ordered marked graves to be moved there.
The commission said its research indicates it is “highly likely that not all remains were relocated” and that remains may still be at the Hamilton Park site. The commission said radar should be used “to ensure that no desecration of graves occurs.”
The letter comes as the city considers a redevelopment of Hamilton Park through the New York PLAYS program which would also serve to honor the late newspaperman Charles W. Kelly.
The proposed project is estimated at $939,461. Preliminary plans include a playground with climbing features, slides and sensory elements, a shaded gathering area, improvements to basketball and pickleball courts, inclusive swings and an obstacle course.
The plans are preliminary and could change following public input and review.
The NY PLAYS program provides up to 80% of eligible project costs, with municipalities responsible for the remaining 20%.
City Manager Fonda Chronis previously told council members the city was considering using the sports court portion of the project toward its local match. An earlier estimate put that work at $82,460, leaving about $105,000 of the local share if the full project moves forward.
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