BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

RENSSELAER FALLS – A new pickleball court and playground is in the works in Rensselaer Falls.

“Our village is buzzing with anticipation as we prepare to break ground on significant recreational upgrades,” stated Mayor Michael Hammond.

Site work was expected to begin Monday, June 17 with the Town of Canton Highway Department digging the sod and laying a sub-base. A memorandum of Understanding between the town and Village of Rensselaer Falls was approved by the Canton Town Board at Wednesday night's monthly board meeting. The cost of the town’s work is $3,779.15.

The new recreational fixtures will be located on State Street, just behind the Falls Market & Deli. The area will be paved by Grasse River Paving during the week of June 24.

“This project is a testament to the power of community collaboration. Over a decade ago, a group of dedicated volunteers came together to install modern playground equipment for our youth. That initial effort has blossomed into our annual Falls Festival and Playground committee. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, this group has successfully fundraised over the past several years, enabling us to now add new playground equipment, a basketball court, and a pickleball court,” the mayor remarked. “We also have plans on the horizon for a community built pavilion.”

Hammond pointed out that the basketball court will be relocated from Main Street to this new site.

“This move is part of a larger, exciting development. The village has been awarded a grant through the State Department's Local Government Efficiency Program.This grant will allow us to expand our library and village office space to include a new community center. By moving the basketball court, we're not only creating a safer play environment away from the main road but also enhancing accessibility at both the library and playground sites, making these spaces handicap accessible and more modern,” said Hammond.

The mayor praised the unwavering support of volunteers and dedicated sponsors. 

“The synergy between the village government and the Festival/Playground Committee is driving positive change in our little village,” he stated. “As we look forward to these improvements, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition. It's a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together for the betterment of our community.”