Hello Friends - There has not been much to report since the summer of 2016. The decision by the BOL as to whether to keep Playland's historic Pool or demolish and remove it (as County Executive Rob Astorino has proposed) was delayed yet again until Dec. 31, 2016. Now it looks like a vote on that will take on a further extension into the 2017 New Year. BUT....there is some GOOD news! While we know it's short notice, Playland's Pool needs as many advocates as possible to come out tomorrow night, Weds. 12/7/16 to the 7pm Public Hearing the County Board of Legislators is holding on the 2017 Westchester County Budget. If you can make it, please be there in person and be prepared to make a brief statement (3 minute limit max!) in support of $10 Mil County Legislator Catherine Parker is proposing be added into the 2017 County Budget to cover the cost of a full restoration of the Playland Pool. Next Monday 12/12/16 the BOL votes on the 2017 County Budget. Yesterday (12/5) was what they call "Adds Day" where the BOL can put things into Budget that they think should be there and that County Executive Astorino did not include. Legislator Parker has apparently requested that $10 Mil be added to the 2017 Cap. Budget for full restoration of the Playland Pool. We have reason to be optimistic that this money has a good chance of being approved by BOL members and that the cost in Budget will not change because it can be offset on Friday of this week ("Deletes Day") by a deletion of Astorino's request for funds for the new ice rink at Kensico Dam. Yes, you read that right. Astorino wants to demolish the Playland Pool because he says we can't afford it but this Fall he asked for tens of millions of dollars to build a new outdoor ice skating rink at Kensico Dam Plaza . I cannot make this stuff up. Please try to come out and show the BOL that you SUPPORT approving the money to RESTORE PLAYLAND'S POOL. This is support from you for the BOL to INCLUDE MONEY IN THE 2017 BUDGET for the Pool restoration, but it's not the same as the BOL voting to approve an actual BOND ACT to fund the project. That, I am now told, will not come by the end of this year because the BOL meeting on 12/12/16 to approve the 2017 Budget is their last of this year. Apparently that Bond Act will be taken up in the new year. Look for more official news about this restoration money to be made public on Friday after the BOL has their "Deletes" meeting, and then on Monday next week after 2017 Budget is approved on 12/12/16. If you can make it, the Public Hearing is held on the 8th Floor of the County Office (Michaelian) Building at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains (corner of Martine Ave & Court St. across the street from Macy's entrance to Galleria). You can park in public lots near by or in the Galleria lot. There is a security check on the 1st Floor which requires photo ID. Once you are through that, proceed to the 8th Floor and sign in with the Receptionist and ask her for a card to fill out so that you can speak at the Public Hearing. Plan to arrive by 6:30 if you can. All speakers are on a very strict 3 minute time limit and it's suggested that you write your remarks down and practice reading them out loud a few times to make sure you can make all your points succinctly and clearly within the three minute limit. Edit as needed. Thanks for you continued interest and support of this wonderful park. You can follow more timely updates on the 'Friends of Playland" FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfPlayland/ and Twitter: @FrenzOfPlayland Hope to see many of you there! Deirdre Curran Friends of Playland