By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA—Excitement continues to build in the village of Ravena as the long-anticipated splash pad at Mosher Park nears completion.
The project, championed by Village Trustee Linda Muller, is the latest in a series of improvements aimed at revitalizing the park and enhancing recreational opportunities for local families and visitors.
The splash pad, along with other park enhancements, was funded through a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and is part of a broader effort to improve Mosher Park, which also includes upgrades to the playground, pool and baseball fields. The grant was secured with the assistance of Capital District BOCES grant writers, who have worked closely with the village on several funding initiatives, according to Muller.
“We are thrilled to bring the splash pad to our community,” said Muller. “It will provide a fun, safe space for children to play and enjoy outdoor activities during the summer months. This project reflects our commitment to creating recreational spaces that everyone can enjoy.”
Muller, who has a background in physical education and health, has been a key advocate for the park’s ongoing transformation. Living across from Mosher Park, Muller has seen the potential in the space and has made it her mission to ensure it serves the community to its fullest.
“As a retired phys ed teacher, I’ve always been passionate about promoting wellness and recreation,” she said. “This splash pad is just one part of our vision to make the park a hub for families.”
The splash pad project began in 2021 but faced delays due to supply chain issues. However, it is set to be fully operational by next summer.
“It’s disappointing we couldn’t finish it for this summer, but the community is going to love it once it’s ready,” Muller added.
The splash pad is not the only project underway. Muller, along with other village trustees, also helped secure a $19,000+ grant for upgrades to the village’s baseball fields, part of a strategy to attract more sports leagues and events to the area. Additionally, a new pickleball court is planned for the park, offering another recreational outlet for residents.
These improvements have been part of a larger effort by Muller and the village to make Ravena a better place to live, work and play. The village has secured over $1 million in grants for various projects in recent years, with support from local businesses such as Stewart’s Shops and regional banks contributing to new playground equipment, according to Muller.
“Our village is unique in that we still have a community pool, and now with the splash pad and other additions, we’re creating a place where families can come together, be active, and have fun,” Muller said.
Looking ahead, Muller is focused on continuing to improve recreational spaces throughout Ravena. Discussions are already underway for a potential YMCA day camp and additional projects that will further enhance the village’s public spaces.
“It’s all about creating places where people want to be,” she emphasized.
As Mosher Park’s splash pad nears completion and more projects take shape, Ravena is steadily becoming a destination for recreation and community events, demonstrating what can be achieved when residents, businesses, and local government come together for a common cause.
