White Plains, NY – The Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) gave final approval last week for construction funding to renovate Fourth Street Park in Mount Vernon under the County’s Legacy Program.

The vote, taken at a special meeting of the BOL on Tuesday, overrode a veto of the Park’s funding by County Executive Robert Astorino.

In 2009, the BOL adopted $250,000 of design costs for the recreational area improvements of Fourth Street Park, located between South 7th Avenue and South 8th Avenue in Mount Vernon. The act approved by the BOL today caps the County investment at $750,000 or 75% of the construction costs, whichever is lower.

The renovations will include state-of-the-art basketball courts with new surfaces, basketball backboards and supports, seating, lighting, utilities, equipment storage building, restrooms, fencing, streetscape, landscaping and signage as well as security and surveillance equipment.

“This project generates jobs while enhancing recreational opportunities for all County residents,” said Legislator and BOL Vice Chair Lyndon Williams (D-Mount Vernon). “Working together with the City of Mount Vernon, the County stands committed to supporting investments like these that strengthen our communities and provide hope for young people.”

The Fourth Street Park, also known as the Mount Vernon Basketball Center, has long been the site for many fabled athletic feats. Not only have many of Mount Vernon’s homegrown basketball heroes—like Ben Gordon, Gus and Ray Williams, and Loews Moore, to name a few—honed their hoops skills at the playground, but many of New York City’s legendary stars, including Julius Erving and Nate Archibald, have made appearances there in past summer tournaments.

“This park is where young people learn valuable lessons of teamwork, discipline and structure,” said Williams. “The Board’s approval of funding for these renovations shows that Westchester County truly cares about open space and keeping kids involved in positive and safe activities that encourage good sportsmanship and camaraderie.”