Cortland Looks to Make Additional Improvements at Randall Park With Playground Renovation

The City of Cortland looks to continue improvements at Randall Park on the southside of the city. At Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, the council voted unanimously to approve an application for the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant for park and playground improvements.

Randall Park has seen improvements already; the tennis courts were improved and now include pickleball courts. The state also awarded funding through a water quality protection grant towards reconstructing the multipurpose bathroom back in December 2024.

The city looks to apply for the MPR grant in the amount of $390,830.40 for the playground renovation project. The grant does require a 10% match in the amount of $39,083.04, which will be used from the Donald Sharpe Trust Fund. Andrea Piedigrossi, Director of the City of Cortland Youth Bureau added they and the Cortland Enlarged City School District have come to an agreement where the district will pay half of the 10% match, saving the city around $19,500.

Piedigrossi told X101 News the project will modernize the existing playground to be safe, inclusive, and accessible for children of all abilities. The playground will replace outdated equipment with ADA-compliant play structures, an improved safety surface, and an overall better layout to serve students and families. The surface of the playground will be a turf safety surfacing, benches will also be added.

“The renovated playground will provide a welcoming, high-quality recreational space that promotes healthy play, social interaction, and long-term community use.” Piedigrossi said.

The estimated cost of the project came from state contracting pricing by Denzak Recreational Design & Supply, Inc. Cortland says the company is an authorized vendor and has previously worked with the city.

According to the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, $10 million has been allocated for MPR in 2026. Applications are due by February 9.