CITY OF NEWBURGH - The City of Newburgh Planning and Development Department is pleased to announce significant upgrades to Gidney Avenue Basketball Courts located in the City’s First Ward.

The improvements include four new complete pole and hoop systems to replace the existing worn out structures in the park. Also, the installation of an additional access and egress gate on the main fence will increase safety for park users.

The project was made possible with funding from New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which funds projects that help cities expand economic opportunities and improve living environments for residents, particularly people of low and moderate incomes. The project’s total of $24,197.81 was allocated under CDBG’s “Park Improvements” project. The space last saw significant upgrades in 2007. The courts are located on Gidney Avenue just west of Liberty Street and are used for open play and community basketball programs and leagues.

Mayor Torrance R. Harvey said, “We are a unified city government and a unified city. We heard the people’s safety concerns regarding the Gidney Avenue Park and we responded collectively. Public safety is our number one priority and I thank everyone involved in making the necessary upgrades happen. Let’s continue to move our city forward!”