Park in Schenectady receives $500K for improvements

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Woodlawn Park in Schenectady received two state grants amounting to $500,000 for the park's improvement project. The funding will support upgrades like improved lighting, resurfaced flooring, updated bathrooms, and much more.

Assemblymember Phil Steck and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced the additional funding on Thursday at the park during a check presentation. Schenectady originally received a $250,000 grant, but Heastie matched it, which brought the total to $500,000.

Other upgrades include improved heating and cooling systems, fresh paint, new windows, doors, storage areas, and the addition of a new mini kitchen. Officials with Steck's office said the March 2025 Schenectady Parks Economic Impact Report showed the municipal parks generate over $14.8 million annually, earning eight times the return on municipal investments.

“Investments like the one we are making today at Woodlawn Park are not just about creating beautiful spaces, they are about strengthening our neighborhoods and boosting our economy,” Steck said. “I am grateful to Speaker Heastie for his partnership in supporting this project and for his ongoing commitment to Schenectady.