Plans for enhancements to Newfield’s recreation park put on hold

The town of Newfield is putting its plans for enhancements to its recreation park on hold until further details can be laid out.

Newfield officials are looking to commence a project at the town’s recreation park on Vankirk Road. The project will “provide construction services to upgrade public recreation facilities and to create more accessible public space for community use,” according to documents.

The enhancements to the community park would include expanded parking, accessible restrooms, a covered pavilion and security cameras.

Newfield Town Supervisor Mike Allinger said in the past that the biggest needs for the community at the park are facilities, noting that there’s nothing for parents “to use for any sort of comfort.”

The proposed pavilion would be available for the community to sign up and schedule for public use, with bathrooms and running water.

The project, however, has hit a temporary roadblock.

“The bids that came back made [the project] cost-prohibitive at this time,” Allinger said. “We are looking into some funding streams that might help do that project. In order to apply for that funding, we’ll have to get everything in order to make the project virtually shovel-ready.”

Allinger noted that a couple of years ago, the town projected that recreation park enhancements would cost somewhere between $500,000 and $700,000 — which was seen as a reasonable cost.

The bids, he added, passed $1 million in costs.

“The bids were significantly more than anticipated, but we came to realize there wasn’t enough in the project description,” Allinger said. “The bids were high-balling the cost of the project, so we’ll have to be more detailed next time.”

The town is now in the process of requesting a New York State Environmental Quality Review statement for the areas of the park where the project would break ground.

With the town also planning to apply for grant funding through the next cycle, Allinger anticipated that the recreation enhancement project won’t get underway until 2027.

“It’ll be a long process, but we’re in the process of putting those ducks in a row,” he added.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Results from Newfield’s town council member primary

The town of Newfield held its council member Republican primary election on Tuesday, June 24.

Christine M. Seamon received the most votes with 49, while Michael T. Corbett racked up 40 votes and Christopher M. Hyer, Jr. garnered 15 votes.

Full results from special and primary elections in Tompkins County can be found at tompkinscountyny.gov.

Details on Newfield CSD’s Class of 2026 scrap metal fundraiser

Newfield Central School District detailed plans for the Class of 2026 scrap metal fundraiser this summer.

The fundraiser will begin in August, a month before the start of the 2025-26 school year. 

A statement on this year’s fundraiser was provided:

“Last year was a huge success. Our students put in some major work last year and our community was so helpful.  

“The location of the container [this year] will be at the Newfield Fire Department parking lot due to the construction going on at the school.  

“If you have any metal that needs scrapping please consider holding onto it until August or let us know ahead of time. We might be able to make arrangements to pick it up if possible. Please pass this information on. 

“All proceeds will help to offset the costs to our students and families for [next year’s] senior prom and senior class trip.”

For more information, email co-advisors Valerie Lynch or Susie Taylor at vlynch@newfieldschools.org or staylor@newfieldschools.org.

‘Mind Over Body’ program on July 17

Newfield Public Library will host its “Mind Over Body” program on Tuesday, July 17.

Led by instructor Mitch Raymond, the program will take place on the second floor of the library at 6 p.m. Raymond’s presentation breaks down how to “improve the strength, flexibility, stability, balance and skill” of participants’ bodies through practices that “enhance neuromuscular connection and physiologic well being,” according to a description.

The library recommends bringing a yoga mat to the program, and participants will work with the library’s chairs and tables to assist with stability. The program has a suggested donation of $10.

Yoga at the library held every Saturday

A yoga for beginners class is held on Saturdays at Newfield Public Library from 10 to 11 a.m.

Phyllis KuanYin Chi, a yoga teacher certified through Yoga Farm in Lansing, leads the class. The instructor has additional training in trauma-informed yoga.

The class is on the second floor of the library. It is suitable for people new to yoga or those with mobility issues. There is also an opportunity to deepen poses for those with more experience.

The class is for ages 18 and older. Participants must have their own yoga mat or blanket. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10.