Fonda Park Revitalization & Expansion
Project Summary
Since the mid-2000s, the Village of Fonda has worked to revitalize and expand Fonda Park, with significant progress and major construction beginning in 2020. These investments have transformed the park by improving recreation, public amenities, community events, and waterfront access. Completed projects include public restrooms and vendor space, a permanent entertainment stage, the Military & First Responders Memorial Wall, playground improvements, paved parking, extensive park and stadium lighting, public Wi-Fi, a digital community sign, and a new boat launch with paved parking. The Village continues to advance additional recreational and visitor-focused improvements, including a new Visitor Center kiosk for which financing has been received, and a proposed splash park adjacent to the existing playground, for which State funding has been earmarked and an application submitted.
Why This Project Matters
Fonda Park serves many purposes within the community — neighborhood park, recreational facility, waterfront access point, event venue, gathering place and increasingly a destination for visitors. Investments made since 2020 have been intended not simply to improve the appearance of the park, but to expand what the property can provide to the community. Permanent event infrastructure, public restrooms, improved recreation, lighting and waterfront access support more activities while creating a public space that can be used by residents and visitors throughout the year.
Current Work
The Village is planning construction of a new Visitor Center kiosk at Fonda Park. Financing for the kiosk has been received and the project is in the planning stage for construction. The kiosk will serve as an initial component of the Village's broader Visitor Center initiative and provide residents and visitors with access to information about Fonda, community activities, recreation, local destinations and regional attractions.
Work Completed
Since 2020, the Village has completed: public restrooms and dedicated vendor space; a permanent entertainment stage; a Military & First Responders Memorial Wall; playground improvements; a digital community sign; paved park parking lot; stadium-style and park lighting serving recreational fields, waterfront areas, parking areas and other park grounds; public Wi-Fi; and a boat launch with paved parking area.
Next Steps
Advance planning and construction of the Visitor Center kiosk. Continue pursuing additional park improvements, Splash Park development, Waterfront & Canal Recreation, Canal Property Transfer and future recreational expansion.
Funding Information
Multiple improvements completed since 2020. Financing received for the Visitor Center kiosk. The Village continues to pursue additional funding opportunities for future phases.