Hempstead Town Planning $400,000 Improvements To Rath Park

The Town of Hempstead announced on Tuesday that it would be making hundreds of thousands of dollars of improvements to Rath Park in Franklin Square.

The town is planning on making more than $400,000 of if improvements to the fun, safety and convenience of the park, in a partnership with Assemblyman Ed Ra.

Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Tom Muscarella and Assembly Ed Ra today announced that important upgrades are coming to one of the township’s most popular recreational facilities, Rath Park in Franklin Square. Over $400,000 in enhancements in fun, safety and convenience are planned as a result of a partnership between the Council Members and Ra.

While the upgrades have not been finalized, some of the improvements currently under consideration include a new synthetic turf infield for one of the baseball fields. Also, safety cameras are a priority to guard against vandalism of the property, play equipment, the swimming pool and other assets. Additionally, town staffers have already commenced work on a new path which will lead to the park’s concession area. Other improvements are also being considered and studied.

The funding for the upgrades comes from $300,000 in spending from the town and a $100,000 grant from the state. The town's Parks Department currently is planning on utilizing the grant money to defray the cost of the baseball field improvements. All other projects would draw upon the town’s capital funding.

“I think that Rath Park is one of the nicest recreational facilities anywhere,” said Ra. “I can’t wait to see young athletes running around the bases and enjoying a newly improved baseball field.”