The Village of Fonda Recreational & Waterfront Park will celebrate the new facilities and park renovations together with the After the 4th Celebration on July 9.
“We are proud of this project,” Village Mayor William Peeler said. “Our goal is to attract folks to utilize the natural resources by enjoying the river and eventually campgrounds. We want to attract new visitors and make Fonda a destination rather than a community you pass through. Overall, we want this Park to be self-sustaining and provides years of entertainment for not only Montgomery County residents but tourists visiting our area,” Peeler said.
The Park opening celebration commences with a parade that will begin at 6 p.m. It will go from Wemple Avenue to the Park Street Memorial Wall. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Village of Fonda officials will dedicate the Memorial Wall to military, law enforcement, fire & EMS. Events, including food, a concert, and fireworks, will go until 11 p.m.
View the full schedule of events for Friday and Saturday at https://fondapark.org/events/after-the-4th-celebration/.
Park revitalization has been made possible through grants from the New York State Canal Corporation, the New York State Department of State, the Montgomery County Executive through the Local Tourism Grant Program, and private donations. Some work completed is a public restroom, parking attendant booth, lighting, memorial wall, fountain, and an entertainment pavilion, which will serve as a stage for live music, movies, and other performances.
Peeler commended village crews who have completed a majority of the construction work at the site.
“Our village workers have done a fantastic job at this site,” Peeler said. “I would also like to thank the Town of Mohawk and Montgomery County Highway Departments for their assistance at the park, the Town of Mohawk Fire Department who donated 300 chickens for the After the 4th Celebration,” and the many not-for-profit organizations that support our community.
Peeler said in several months, the Village will install a visitor center that includes a touch screen digital display so visitors can locate different services or activities available within the county. They will also offer kayak rentals with the completion of the boat launch, an antique fire engine display, and many other amenities.
For future Park, updates visit https://fondapark.org/park-revitalization/.
“We hope the local communities will come out and enjoy our After the 4th Celebration and participate in the grand opening of our new facility,” Peeler said. “We anticipate our park revitalization will have a tremendous impact on the overall well-being and growth of our village for years to come.”