Kathy Moser, Commissioner 
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207

January 20, 2026

Dear Ms. Moser:

I am writing to express my very strong support for the City of Elmira’s grant application under the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)’s Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program (MPR) program to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites. This is a much-needed funding source for our local parks.  City parks remain an important community asset allowing children and adults alike the opportunity to explore healthy activities outside of the home and school. 

Under this year’s application, the City of Elmira is seeking funding for a new public skatepark to be located at the historic Eldridge Park in Elmira, New York. Eldridge Park is a destination park which has a long history in Chemung County of providing healthy entertainment and functioning as an amusement park.  Today, the park includes historic rides, an outdoor stage, an extensive network of picnic areas, a boat ride along the park's lake, dog park, and a disk golf field in addition to hosting many special events and live entertainment.  The park is an important historic and cultural space serving both Chemung County and the City of Elmira. 
The City of Elmira is proposing a new upgraded skatepark facility which will meet the growing demand for public recreational opportunities. The current skatepark facility requires much needed repairs, and if upgrades and restoration do not occur soon, the concrete structure will continue to deteriorate and may need to be shut down for safety reasons. This would be a major loss to the park and skating community. Therefore, a new modern skatepark facility would meet many community needs.             

Today, the City of Elmira has large areas of concentrated poverty and limited recreational opportunities for young people.  The City has a Disadvantage Community Population of 64% per Bond Act DAC Guidance.  While all city parks provide an important public gathering space and safe recreational opportunities for many teenagers, the Eldridge Skatepark Project would be a unique space that is unavailable in any other local city parks or even regional parks. 

I ask that you look favorably on the City of Elmira’s grant application for the Eldridge Skate Park. 

Sincerely, 

Undersigned