Foundation is funding complexes' playground

The Northern New York Community Foundation is lending its support to the Watertown Housing Authority so children at two of the agency's family housing complexes will have a new playground in the spring.

The community foundation awarded a $5,000 grant during its board meeting Tuesday to the housing authority to help with the cost of a $100,000 playground to be shared between the East Hills and Meadowbrook complexes.

"We wanted to create a playground for kids so during the summertime, kids can have a spot to enjoy," said Michael C. Robare, housing authority executive director. "We're excited about it for the kids' sake."

The 153- by 60-foot playground area will be located between the two complexes near Walker Avenue. The playground will feature decks, slides, climbing walls, bridges, swings and teeter totters, among other items.

Alex C. Velto, community foundation executive director, said the board of directors awarded the grant to give the children an opportunity to enjoy a new playground.

"There aren't any playgrounds close by," he said.

Mr. Robare said East Hills had a playground years ago, and the one at Meadowbrook is too small to accommodate both complexes.

The playground will be part of the Watertown Housing Authority's overall 2009 site development plan for East Hills. Mr. Robare said the site work will include resurfacing the complex's basketball court, purchasing benches, and putting new siding on the apartment buildings.

"We'll be moving forward with that next year," he said. "We want to revitalize and give a fresh look to the apartments."

Other grants the community foundation awarded Tuesday include:

■ $5,306 to the American Red Cross of Northern New York for access to donor management software.

■ $35,000 to the Handweaving Museum and Arts Center to help fund a new Director of Development position.

■ $3,575 to the Northern Area Health Education Center for the NorthStar Scholars Program.

■ $7,000 to Ogdensburg Command Performances for Youth Theatre performances in area schools.

■ $4,000 to Ontario Bays Initiative to match a Land Trust Alliance grant to develop a Point Peninsula conservation plan.

■ $2,784 to the Pendragon Theatre for three Shakespeare performances at Jefferson Community College.

■ $2,500 to Trinity Episcopal Church for a Trinity Concert Series performance of Handel's "Messiah."