“Play Ball”…on April 13 the recreation center began to host Floral Park Little League baseball and softball teams for play on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Adult softball players will be competing on field 3 on Sundays throughout the spring and summer months. The “Over 60” softball league players will meet on Tuesday and Thursdays mornings for doubleheaders on field 3. The Floral Park Recreation Staff has done an outstanding job readying the fields for the season.
The staff was faced with many challenges including rain, cold weather, snow and howling winds. The fields were seeded, diamonds groomed, depressions filled, mounds and plates replaced and fences repaired. Kudos go out to Don Haug, John Michon, Richard Clifford, Jim Furey Nathan Baeyens, Thomas Mecelli, Nick Vacarino, Mike Imbornoni, Will Wichart, Ryan Marszalkiewicz and Tommy Mack for a job well done.
Thanks to Floral Park’s very own Department of Public Works, led by Steve Siwinski, Rich Albertson, Mike Naylor, Russ Mazzola, Glen Steinecke, Joe Monahan, Loreto DeCiantis and the tree department for installing field nets and changing field lights and John Powers and Con-Kel for providing equipment used to prep the fields.
Adult registration for beginner and intermediate tennis skills will be held in the recreation/pool building on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday lessons will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon beginning April 28. Saturdays intermediate lessons start at 8 a.m. and beginners lessons at 9:05 a.m. Players are invited to participate in the series of mini-tennis tournaments that are scheduled throughout the summer. Saturday tennis lessons begin on April 30. Applications are available in both the shelterhouse and the recreation/pool building.
The recreation center is now in full use; residents are reminded that bicycles are not permitted in the park. Bike racks have been installed for all those who cycle to this well-used facility. Please remember in accordance with village ordinance, smoking is not permitted in the park or pool grounds. The official Village of Floral Park (VFP) leisure pass is needed upon request for use of facility and equipment. All residents are urged to apply for the VFP leisure pass. The leisure pass is free and easy to acquire for all village residents.
Centennial Gardens is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. The garden is host to a variety of birds throughout the year. Stop by and see if you can spot sparrows, chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, mockingbirds, warblers and killdeers. The official spring and summer hours of operation at the recreation center are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
—Submitted by John Michon
