With $1.9M in insurance money from the fire loss of Briarcliff’s Pavilion, plus another $800,000 allotted by the Mayor and Board of Trustees, rebuilding and restoration is underway at Law Memorial Park. A contract has been signed and work has begun. The Board of Trustees, along with residents, will see a new pavilion with the familiar look of the one set ablaze almost a year ago last December. According to Village Manager, Philip Zegarelli, “The Village’s psyche will be renewed,” with the rebuilding and other efforts in place to create a new environment in the Park.
At the Pavilion a terrace will be added on along with a unisex bathroom which will be ADA accessible. The Park itself will also be ADA compliant and all existing steps will be removed. Fencing will be moved further out to create broader walkways and a visual sense of spaciousness.
The fire damaged many tree trunks that faced the flames, and over half of them were severely damaged. They have been removed and others will be planted in their place. A new waterline will be installed in the Park for fire suppression and the pond will be cleaned of sediment.
Briarcliff has built in a buffer with regards to the construction timetable, taking into account winter weather. The projected completion date of the pavilion is the first week in May 2017.
Residents can rest assured that the elected Village officials will have the new pavilion look identical to the former one. Zegarelli added, “The people will continue to enjoy the cornerstone of the Village’s recreational, park, library and community center complex.”
