Four years and about $60,000 later, the Saugerties Lions Club has officially opened its playground adjacent to Cantine Field on Washington Avenue.
During those years, the club paid for the kids’ swimming pool to refurbished, and changed all the playground equipment after a liability insurance adjuster for the village of Saugerties told officials that much of the rides were unsafe.
Over time, all the unsafe equipment was replaced with hard-plastic slides, climbing bars, swings, and other features that keep the kids coming back.
George Terpening and his crew from the village’s Parks and Buildings Department provided a specialized mulch that prevents buts from making it their home, and spread it under the equipment so kids would have a soft place to land if they fell.
A community effort was led by Heidi-Jo Brandt, who’s been collecting and recycling cans, and putting that money towards the playground. A number of individuals have donated money towards the project.
Allen Carney, president of the Lions. also credited the organization’s treasurer, John Brink, with leading the club’s effort in raising money for the new equipment.
Carney added the club was also looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining the community orientated organization’s website and click on the “new members” button.
Join the family! 
