Phase 1-Ready To Order!

Thanks to the amazing generosity of our community, we are happy to announce that we now have sufficient funds to go ahead and place the order for Phase 1 of our project.
See the pictures above for an idea of what our new rock tunnel, bouncers, seesaw and digger will look like.

Also, having received overwhelming feedback that most parents would like the sandbox to stay as is, we have revised the plan for Phase 2 to include a Toddlertown Playhouse, Drive Thru' and Trike Path that will complement our existing sandbox.
Of course, this means we will need to change out the sand and maintain the sandbox regularly but we know we can count on volunteer parents for ongoing help with that!

(click on the plan to enlarge)

We hope to place our order before the end of the year (to avoid a price increase) and to schedule the installation for early Spring 2009. This will be a supervised community build and we will ask for volunteer parents to help with the installation.
The village has also offered the help of the Highway Dept. workers for our project.

We currently have close to $14,000 in available funds. Phase 1 and Phase 2 as revised will totally cost us almost $13,000. So we continue to ask for donations from the community in cash or kind (We'll need sand and cement for the project), of course, with our sights set on Phase 3 in the near future. You can make a secure online donation or mail a check to the Community Foundation of Dutchess County...( click on this link to go straight to the donation page) Please specify Cold Spring Tots Park as the Fund Name.

We're excited to be so close to an improved Tots Park! None of this would be possible without your help and support and we thank each one of you for being so involved in this project.

As always we welcome your feedback on this blog or email : totspark@yahoo.com

TOTS PARK HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP: OCT. 4th

So its that time of year again: time to go spend ridiculous amounts of money on a costume that your child will most likely wear once or twice or outgrow within a year. Tots Park to the Rescue!
Announcing the first ever Halloween Costume Swap!
Stop by the Tots Park between 10am and noon on Oct. 4th and pick out a costume for $5.
Email totspark@yahoo.com to donate your old costumes.
All proceeds benefit the park.

Many thanks to Jane Rapa for the brilliant idea!

Hudson Beach Glass donates to Arts For the Park

Many Thanks to John and Wendy Gilvey of Hudson Beach Glass in Beacon for donating this beautiful bowl. Its up for auction along with several other pieces of art (scroll down to see older posts) at Arts For the Park: Sunday, Sept. 28th at 3pm at the Presbyterian Church. Come out to enjoy a beautiful chamber music concert while supporting the park. See you Sunday!

Morphicism donates to Arts For The Park

Many thanks to Jay Palefsky of Morphicism in Beacon for his generous donation of the piece entitled "Cold Spring,NY"
(Click on the image to enlarge)

This piece along with others (scroll down to see older posts) are up for auction and currently on display at The Butterfield Library. Bidding is now open! Final bids will be taken at the Arts For The Park event on Sept. 28th at 3pm at the First Presbyterain Church on Academy Street.

See older posts for details on the wonderful Chamber Music Concert we have in store for you at Arts For The Park!
Come out to support your park. Childcare provided!

Arts For The Park: Chamber Music Concert and Art Auction

Sunday, Sept. 28th, 3 pm , First Presbyterian Church Academy St. Cold Spring
Admission:$10, Childcare provided
A perfect way to enjoy some classical music and art to support your favorite park.

We are excited to present a wonderful chamber music concert featuring the musical talents of several local performers:
Tom McCoy:Piano
Rachel Evans, Pam Read and Linda Kleinhenz: violin
Cynthia Ligenza: violin and viola
Abby Luby and Carolyn Llewellyn: cello
Lynn Brown: flute

The concert features an array of ensembles that include movements of Piano Trios by Clara Schumann and Brahms, a String Trio by Beethoven, a movement of Schubert's cello quintet, a Biber violin sonata, a Mozart Flute Quartet and a String Quartet by Haydn.

We thank all the performers for donating their time and talent to our cause.

Hope you have been by the Butterfield Library to check out the artwork up for auction. Artwork will be on display until Saturday,September 27th. You can start bidding for your favorites now.

Email:totspark@yahoo.com with any questions.

Sneak Peek At the Artwork up for Auction

These are some of the beautiful pieces of art that will be up for auction at Arts For The Park, our fund-raising concert and silent auction on Sept. 28th at 3pm at The First Presbyterian Church on Academy Street in Cold Spring.
From top to bottom:
"Shadow" by Melissa McGill, "Bethpage Black Hole #4" by Adam Smith, "Musical Pet" and "Simon and Harry" by Joan Gillman Smith, " Memory One" ,"Taiga" and "Desire One" by Roman Danilov, "Fox Trot", "Still Life With Carrots" and "Still Life with Carpet" by Joan Gillman Smith," River That Flows Both Ways" by Nancy Bauch.
For details on each piece and to learn more about the artists, please visit the Butterfield Library where artwork will be on display through the month of September. You can even start placing bids on your favorite pieces.
We thank our artists for their generous donations!

Cold Spring Village Board Resolution

Thanks to Mayor Phillips and the Board of Trustees, who passed the following resolution in support of the Friends of the Tots Park this week:

Resolution : Cold Spring Tiny Tots Park Improvement Initiative

Because the Cold Spring Tiny Tots Park (the “Tots Park”) at McConville Park is a valued community resource and beloved gathering spot where young children can play safely together in an ideal outdoor setting, and

Because the Tots Park exists thanks to exemplary ongoing efforts of numerous individuals and community groups working together in the spirit of partnership and volunteerism, and

Because the Village of Cold Spring and its Recreation Commission commit annual resources to the general and ongoing maintenance of the Tots Park, and

Because the play structures at the Tots Park date from 1990-1991 and are showing significant signs of wear, and

Because this winter, two spring-riders and the wooden “boat” structure in the sandpit had to be removed due to major deterioration, and

Because the Friends of the Tots Park, a volunteer group of parents and other interested community members who support the Tots Park, have begun an initiative to improve the playground’s deteriorating condition,

Be it resolved:

That the Cold Spring Village Board of Trustees supports the initiative of the Friends of the Tots Park to replace the play structures and improve the condition of the Tots Park for the enjoyment of all.

Arts For The Park

Announcing our next fund-raising event:
A Chamber Music Concert and Silent Auction of local art to benefit the Cold Spring Tots Park

First Presbyterian Church of Cold Spring
Sunday, Sept. 28th at 3pm
Childcare provided
Suggested admission: $10/head

Art on display at The Butterfield Library until the day of the event

Featured musicians:Lynn Brown, Pam Eagan, Rachel Evans, Cynthia Ligenza, Carolyn Llewellyn, Abby Luby, Tom McCoy
Featured artists: Melissa McGill, Roman Danilov, Lisa Light, Nancy Bauch, Joan Gillman Smith, Adam Smith, Jay Palefsky, John Gilvey, Margaret Benmour, Eugenie Milroy

Stay tuned for details!

Many thanks for all the generous pledges in that are pouring in to our new fund with CFDC. Thanks to all the money we have raised so far we were able to go ahead and place the order for phase 1 of our project. If you would like to make a donation click here
Don't forget to put Cold Spring Tots Park as the fund name or in the memo line of your check.

We still have a few Tots park T-shirts for sale... grab yours before we run out.
Adult and kid T-shirts are now available for sale at The Country Goose and kid T-shirts also available at Born Lucky.
Many thanks to Leonora Burton and Kristin Daliso for helping us with sales. As always, all proceeds benefit the Tots Park.

Tots Park Jamboree a grand success!

Thank you one and all for coming out on Saturday to support our park at the Tots Park Jamboree.
We really had a good time thanks to the wonderful live music! We are so lucky to have such talented performers ready to donate their time to our cause. (For more info on any of our performers please check out their website links in the previous Jamboree posts)
Best of all we raised over $2000 at the Jamboree and we are slowly inching our way to our goal.
Click here to see the Jamboree write-up in the PCNR.
If you haven't already done so, you can make a secure online donation at www.cfdcny.org
Stay tuned to this blog for more info on the upcoming Chamber Music Concert and Silent Auction Sept. 28th at the First Presbyterian Church in Cold Spring.

MAKE A PLEDGE!

We are really close to our goal for this summer, having received almost $4000 in pledges from so many wonderful parents.
We hope to complete our goal of $8000 tomorrow at the Jamboree. (For details on our fiscal sponsor or the Tots Park Jamboree read previous posts).
We are now ready to accept your tax-deductible donations. Either mail your check to the Foundation(see previous post) or if you want to make a donation online, here is the Community Foundation website where you can make a pledge.
Please indicate COLD SPRING TOTS PARK as the fund name on the online form and/or put it in the memo line of your check.
Thanks again for your generous support. With the money starting to come in now, we aim to complete phase 1 of our plan (replace broken bouncers, add seesaw and rock wall) by early fall.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF PUTNAM COUNTY

Great news regarding the future of the Cold Spring Tots Park! Now
donors can make unrestricted tax-deductible contributions to ensure the
upkeep and improvement of this local gem. The Friends of the Tots Park
have established a charitable fund at Community Foundation of Dutchess
County , also now doing business as the Community
Foundation of Putnam County. As administrator of the fund, the
Community Foundation maintains all financial records and will furnish
donors with receipts for their contributions.

Donors may choose to specify that a donation is being made in honor of,
or in memory of, a special person. Acknowledgement of your gift, but
not the amount, will be sent to the individual or family you identify.
In addition, donors may be eligible for employer matching grants. If
so, your gift may be doubled or tripled, and some companies match gifts
made by retirees and/or spouses. If eligible, please complete and sign
your employer's matching gift form and send it with your donation.

Unrestricted donations to the Friends of the Cold Spring Tots Park Fund
are fully tax deductible charitable contributions and may be made
payable to the Community Foundation of Putnam County, with an
accompanying note to add the donation to the Friends of the Cold Spring
Tots Park Fund. Please send checks to the Community Foundation at
80 Washington Street, Suite 201, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Donations by
credit card (Visa or MasterCard) may also be made online through a
secure web site or by calling the Community Foundation
during regular business hours at 845-452-3077. Thank you for supporting
the Cold Spring Tots Park!

JAMBOREE UPDATE!

We're counting down the days to our big fundraiser event at the Cold Spring Tots Park: the Tots Park Jamboree: Sat. 7/26 at 4pm.
Please enter from the Haldane street entrance on the south of McConville Park. Don't forget your blanket/chairs and of course your picnic!

We now have an alternate location in the event of inclement weather: the Butterfield Library on Morris Avenue. For now, the forecast is bright and sunny and we're hoping it stays that way, so we can picnic at the park....but if we have a rain shower that day please check this blog to confirm the location of the Jamboree. Rain or shine, we'll be jammin'!!! Many thanks to Gillian Thorpe and the staff at the library for offering us the space as a rain location.

We're also excited to have a very generous donation from artist and new resident of Cold Spring, Roman Danilov. The paintings you see here are just a few of his beautiful works that will be up for auction at our next event coming up in September. Watch this space for details on that soon... In the meanwhile check out Roman's website http://cuspgallery.com/ You can meet the artist and view some of his works at the Jamboree.

See you all at the Jamboree!

TOTS PARK JAMBOREE: JULY 26th

In case you haven't seen the posters up around town, the first ever Tots Park Jamboree is coming up:Saturday, July 26th at 4pm.
Bring the whole family, a blanket and a picnic! Chill out in the shade at the park and enjoy some live music. We have an all-star line-up who will play their own compositions as well as some kiddie favorites. Our talented performers include: The Motherlode Trio, Jen Clapp, Louie Miranda, Kathleen Pemble and Dana Edelman.

This event promises to be fun for the whole family and is the perfect way to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon at your kids' favoritre park.
Suggested donation: $20/family. All proceeds benefit the Tots Park. T-shirts and lemonade also on sale.

The T-Shirts are here!!!

New Tots Park T-shirts for sale!
(click on any image to enlarge)
As always proceeds benefit the park and you and your kids get to show off your support.
Kids sizes XS (2-4)/S(4-6)/M(6-8):$15
colors:pink/red/green/blue/violet/natural

Adults T-shirts: Womens/Mens:$20
2 designs:Push-ups/Swingers: assorted colors/sizes

T-shirts are on sale at Payning by Caryn at 72 Main St or
Email:totspark@yahoo.com to place your order
Specify size and color preference.

TREASURE HUNT: MAY 17th

On Saturday, May 17th the Chamber of Commerce is holding a TREASURE HUNT:a  village wide yard sale in Cold Spring. The Friends of the Tots Park will have a table at the Tots park with a lemonade stand,baked goods/snacks and tag sale items. All proceeds benefit the park. It will also be an opportunity to share our plans with more people and get folks to pledge their support to the park!

What can you do to help?

1) Volunteer on May 17 at the Tots Park table: help with sales.

2) Donate items to be sold: lemonade/drinks, fruit,snacks,baked goods,etc.

3) Spread the word! Tell all your friends about this event.

4) Stop by the Tots Park and shop on May 17th!

Email: totspark@yahoo.com to offer your help/donation or for details.

The Park Today

The swings are well loved and used but the climbing structure and sandbox get mixed reactions from parents...What are your thoughts? Post your comments here. We need your feedback!!!

A Brief History of The Tots Park

We all know that the Cold Spring Tiny Tots Park is a terrific place to play! But did you know……

1. The Tots Park exists thanks to volunteer-led, community-wide efforts. Since 1981, numerous community members have played a role in making this playground a reality, including the original Mothers on Mondays group (MOMs), the Village of Cold Spring, the Philipstown Community Council, the Cold Spring Lions Club, and the Friends of the Tots Park – as well as countless others.

2. The Tots Park’s current site within McConville Park is actually the playground’s third location. Several different locations have been proposed for the playground over the years. The Tots Park was originally sited on the grounds of the Haldane School District in 1981, then moved to McConville in 1990 and established at its current site in 1999.

3. What is now McConville Park was once the site of the original Haldane School District building, which operated from 1889-1936. (The building was razed in 1956.)

4. McConville Park has been owned by the Village of Cold Spring since 1973. The property is currently zoned R-1 with four potential residential building lots.

5. The Tots Park’s current site is considered ideal for a children’s playground because of its level grade, ample shade protection, and protected convenient location, which is easily accessible by village pedestrians (and strollers!).

6. Thanks entirely to the generosity of many local residents and businesses, the Tots Park’s play equipment was purchased in 1990-1991 and relocated to the current site in 1999. The playground’s perimeter fence acknowledges these numerous supporters by name – check it out!

7. Here are just a few of the folks who worked to create the Tots Park we know today – give ‘em your thanks if you see them around town! Kathy Curto, Lara Demberg, Johanna Rolfman, Leslie Uribe, Tim Brennan, Maria Toland, Donald McDonald, Bill Thomas, John Froats, Joshua Zinder……


The Village of Cold Spring, through its Recreation Commission, oversees the Cold Spring Tiny Tots Park. The Friends of the Tots Park is a volunteer group of parents, community members, and others who support the park. Contact totspark@yahoo.com for more information or to make a contribution.

A THREE PHASE PROJECT

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $36,000

(See plan and schematic diagram in the next post)

PHASE ONE:

Replace broken bouncers with Butterfly and Motorbike bouncers
Add new Seesaw and Rock Climbing Wall

Estimated Cost: $ 6,000
Anticipated completion: Summer 2008

PHASE TWO:

Install new Fun Center designed for toddlers in current sandbox
Build new sand box in far right corner

Estimated Cost: $ 12,000
Anticipated completion: ?


PHASE THREE:

Remove old slide and bridge structure
Install new Steel Challenger play structure designed for preschoolers

Estimated Cost: $ 18,000
Anticipated completion: ?

Proposed equipment for Tots Park

Here are the proposed site plan and equipment schematic for the Tots Park. We hope this blog will be used to share feedback and comments on these ideas!