Clifton Park is a suburban town in Saratoga County, New York, United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 population was 38,209 and is approximately 50 square miles in size.
The name is derived from an early land patent. The town is in the south part of the county and is located approximately 12 miles north of Albany, 7 miles northeast of Schenectady, and 10 miles south of Saratoga Springs. Recognized for our outstanding quality of life, smart growth practices, numerous parks, extensive recreation programs, a 15 mile trail network, the Clifton Common sports complex (host to a variety of national, state and regional tournaments), the excellent Shenendehowa School System, an active Clifton Park Senior Community Center and emerging business centers, we are a model growth community. Clifton Park has preserved and restored significant historic sites, such as the Grooms Tavern, and has acquired, protected, preserved and purchased development rights on over 1000 acres, balancing our rural roots with innovative residential designs and twenty-first century economic development in New York’s Tech Valley. Clifton Park remains true to its motto: “Clifton Park – A Great Place to Live, Work and Play!”
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country and soon we may have new dedicated Pickleball Courts right here in town! We have heard from many people who are very interested in having a Pickleball facility in Clifton Park.
Supervisor Barrett first experienced the sport years ago while visiting his parents in Florida. When he returned home to Clifton Park he had the Buildings and Grounds Department line some of the town tennis courts to be used as pickleball courts. Since then the sport has really taken off in Clifton Park!
Pickleball is a fun sport and a group activity. Many people will gather at one time, often early in the morning to compete. As it has grown in popularity around town there have been some minor issues with the proximity of the courts to residential neighborhoods.
We want to encourage recreation and wellness in town while also keeping our quiet neighborhoods the peaceful places they are. With that in mind Councilman Morelli and Supervisor Barrett are proposing a project to renovate one of three softball fields at Veterans Park on MacElroy Road into 10 pickleball courts including a covered pavilion.
Veterans Park is an ideal location for dedicated Pickleball courts because it is set away from residential homes and has plenty of parking for players and spectators to use.
The Town will be looking to gauge public interest in the proposed project. Stay tuned for updates!
March 31, 2023
The Town of Clifton Park experienced an historic situation in the Fall of 2022 as two elected officials on the Town Board resigned abruptly. Following the resignations, I directed our Town Attorney to conduct a review of all available information and determine, among other things, if any abuse of power or misuse of resources occurred.
Many people have had questions about various elements of the situation that led to the resignations. Tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars were wasted. Countless hours of taxpayer supported time were used for political activities as well as dealing with the coordinated effort to divide Town Hall and attack specific individuals. It is imperative the residents of Clifton Park have the public information we have accumulated during a review of this situation. The abuse of office and collusion by various elected officials has been an affront to the residents of Clifton Park. Today, the full report has been posted on the website.
As was suspected, this report shows the abuse of power and misuse of town resources was extensive. The exhibits demonstrate coordination and collaboration aimed at creating a narrative of dysfunction for the sole purpose of political and personal gain, without any regard for the employees and residents those actions negatively affected. Having said that, I am proud of the team of Board Members and employees now in place. There are many great things going on in our Town right now and our best days are ahead.
pdf Executive Summary.pdf (1.13 MB)
Clifton Common Playground Renovation: Please be advised the Playground at the Clifton Common will be closed beginning July 5th to allow our Buildings and Grounds department to begin removing the old structure that is remaining in preparation for the new playground equipment to be installed. The current structure has been in place since 1989.
During the last decade or so, the Town has engaged in public discussions about the future of the playground as the wooden structures began to deteriorate. We removed and replaced some of the original playground equipment several years ago in the area near the front entrance and the swings to the rear of the playground. The playground structure has become a daily maintenance concern as we have continued to maintain the apparatus to keep it as safe as possible. Clifton Park families will be forever grateful to the volunteers and supporters of the playground when it was first constructed.
The new playground plan which was presented for review at a workshop on April 3, 2023 that was followed by a presentation at a Town Board Meeting. Renderings of the new playground were distributed for public review and we appreciate the valuable input from residents about the plan. The initiative was approved by the Town Board on May 8, 2023. The new playground will offer the same basic look and feel with modern amenities and composite materials, resulting in a structure that will serve families for several decades. The new structure will also meet all of the latest safety code standards, new and expanded number of fun elements for children to enjoy, offer accessibility for all children and include sensory driven elements.
The new playground structure will cost just over $700,000 when it's completed. Because it will be constructed of a composite material it should last for at least 50 years for our young residents to enjoy. A grant through Senator Tedisco in the amount of $200,000 has been secured by the town and will be utilized to offset the cost of the new structure. The contractor has stated that the project should be completed in late August.
Unfortunately, the playground will not be available for a period of time, but following construction activities we will have a wonderful new recreational asset for the Town of Clifton Park.
Update 7/21/23: The low bid was awarded to Carver Construction for the trail reconstruction project. At this time we do not have a construction timeline. Town engineers have advised that the conditions of the area are too saturated due to the immense amount of rain that we have had this summer. Conditions will be monitored and we will begin construction as soon as the conditions allow.
Update 6/29/23: After receiving no bids in the first round of the bid process the Town is pleased to announce that we have received several bids in the second round with competitive pricing. A company was chosen and will be approved by the Town Board at the next meeting so that the reconstruction process can begin as soon as possible.
Update 6/21/23: After receiving no responses to our initial bidding process the Town has engaged a new bidding process. Bids are due on June 29, 2023.
Update 6/8/23: After the issues with the previous contractor the Town embarked on a very quick planning and procurement process following the destruction of the trail. A request for bids went out and the Town received no bids for the trail reconstruction project. A new bid process will commence immediately.
Update 5/12/23: The Town Board has been working to repave the trails that connect neighborhoods such as The Oaks, Summerhill, Addison Estates and Settlers Hill in recent years. All of the trails have been successfully repaved except for the trail connecting Miller Road to Wallflower Drive. Due to some difficulty experienced by the contractor while performing the work, this section of trail will require extensive repairs. Therefore, we have closed the trail until the repairs are completed. Town personnel are reviewing the situation and a plan of action to complete the repairs is being devised. Thank you for your patience.
Resolution #6 at the June 5th, 2023 Town Board Meeting discussed an outside audit of the Highway Department completed by Cusack & Company regarding the issuance procedure of street opening and excavation permits. Please see the link below to read the complete report.
https://cliftonpark.org/document-center/attorney/4434-aup-report-final/file.html
23 Sep 2023; 08:00AM - 02:00PM Household Hazardous Waste Day |
26 Sep 2023; 07:00PM - Planning Board Meeting |
02 Oct 2023; 07:00PM - 08:00PM Town Board Meeting |