Village of Webster asks residents: what should Schantz Park become?

The Village of Webster is asking residents to help shape the future of Schantz Park, and the comment window is open now.

In its June 5 newsletter, "View from Main Street," the Village said it is reviewing a set of design ideas for the park and wants to hear from the people who use it before anything moves forward. The ideas on the table are options under consideration, not an approved plan, and gathering resident feedback is the point of the exercise.

According to the newsletter, the concepts being weighed could reshape much of the park. One idea would install a walking path or trail around the perimeter, roughly 0.35 of a mile. Another would resurface the basketball court. The existing tennis courts could be converted into pickleball courts.

The newsletter also describes a possible change to the park's playing fields. The baseball field could be replaced with soccer nets and an obstacle course in the style of a ninja warrior course.

The playground could see new climbing equipment along with a new surface installed underneath it. The parking lot could also be modified, with a new surface and 12 parking spots.

Taken together, the Village framed the ideas as a way to "create a multi-use park that our residents can enjoy for years to come," according to the newsletter.

Deputy Mayor Jerry Ippolito, the Village Public Works staff, and Village Trustee Mike Morency are reviewing resident feedback, the newsletter said.

Because the design is still in the idea stage, resident input carries real weight on what, if anything, gets built and in what order. The Village is collecting comments through a form at villageofwebsterny.gov/parks. Residents who want a say in how the park takes shape can submit their thoughts there.

AI tools were used in drafting and research.