MILLERTON — Carl Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly, joined State Representative Didi Barrett (D-106) at Eddie Collins Memorial Park in Millerton Thursday, July 25 to announce that Phase Two renovation of the park that includes a swimming pool will have its funding ensured.
Phase Two includes, besides a pool, a bathhouse with offices, a concession stand and a community room.
The initial renovation of the park cost $2.2 million, was completed in 2022 and included regrading of the park, a new entrance and paved parking areas, a soccer field, accessible playground upgrades, new basketball courts and pavilion improvements.
The remaining phase is estimated to cost approximately $7.5 million.
In May Village trustees voted to apply for a $6.3 million grant under the NY SWIMS intiative, a capital grant program included in the 2025 New York State budget.
The Village also has applied for a $675,000 grant through New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Speaker Heastie is currently on his annual statewide tour and visited the park and its recent additions. Heastie and Barrett were joined by several members of the Millerton community, including Stephen Waite, former Village of Millerton trustee, Town Supervisor Christopher Kennan, Village Mayor Jennifer Najdek and Jennifer Dowley and Jeanne Vanneck, advocates for the transformation of the park.
Heastie and Barrett pledged to provide funding for whatever costs not covered by the state grants.
“Somehow we will figure out how to fund this entire project,” Heastie said.
The Speaker said he is dedicated to providing opportunities to New York state residents, regardless of ability.
“A new pool is another step in our continued efforts to provide all communities accessible opportunities to swim,” he said.
In a statement, Barrett said, “I’m pleased to welcome Speaker Carl Heastie back to my district and to announce funding for a new, state-of-the-art pool and pool house at Eddie Collins Memorial Park.
“This park has been an integral part of the northeastern Dutchess community for generations, and I worked closely with Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek, North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan and the project leaders to help them secure phase one funding, including $125,000 for handicap-accessible bleachers at the baseball field.
“Today’s announcement will ensure that phase two of this important project will be completed, and that residents and visitors alike will have a place to learn to swim and to gather.”
The Millerton community has witnessed the revitalization of Eddie Collins Memorial Park over recent years. The park brings the community together, and with its continued expansion seeks opportunities to provide accessible engagement for all.
The planned pool would be located in front of the playground, with an L-shaped pool house beside it. Dowley and Vanneck said the pool house would include a commercial kitchen, community room and other community-oriented spaces.
Decisions on the grant applications should be announced starting in September.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
