In 2015 the Wild Over Water Splash Park was opened on the Town Hall Campus. Zoo themed, this fresh water splash pad is the largest municipal splash pad in Western New York. The WOW Splash Park continues to expand with the addition of a new aqua spout in August of 2021. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day the splash park is free to Greece residents with a valid ID.
In 2016 the Greece Community Ice Rink was created on the Town Hall Campus, just west of the Library building. There is a heated hut on site, and a limited number of skates available for rental. Admission to the skate rink is Free to Greece residents. The Community Ice Rink is open during winter months, as weather permits.
On May 16, 2017, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held when the Greece Police Department moved to their newly built headquarters, officially named the Gerald D. Phelan Police Headquarters, after former Greece Chief of Police Gerald D. Phelan. The new headquarters is a state of the art, 30,000 sq. ft. facility, located at 6 Vince Tofany Blvd., on the Greece Town Hall Campus. The Greece Police Department patrols and protects 42 square miles of land and serves a population of approximately 100,000 residents.
The Public Library Children’s Center, located at 2 Vince Tofany Blvd., on the Town Hall Campus, realized tremendous growth with their expansion, which opened in July of 2021. An additional 7,000 sq. ft. of space was added to the children’s library, bringing the children’s wing to a total of 10,125 sq. ft. New features of the expansion include a covered outdoor children’s story time patio, a rotunda play area complete with “grocery store” checkouts, a planting garden, a play castle, a life size “lite brite” lit up play surface, energy efficient LED lighting, a dedicated children’s bathroom, new story and craft rooms with radiant floor heating, and more.
Built in 2006, at 3 Vince Tofany Blvd., on the Town Hall Campus off Long Pond Road, the Greece Community and Senior Center has expanded over the years and by the end of 2023 it will almost double in size.
In late December 2021, renovations to the front desk and activity room began. In late January 2022, the Town announced that a complete renovation and expansion of the Community and Senior Center was approved which allows the Town to bring even more amenities to their residents.
The renovation project is underway and will be completed in two phases:
Phases I-Renovation of Existing Space
This includes:
•New reception desk area designed to increase safer and efficient traffic flow of members and residents.
•Relocating entry to gymnasium
•Remodeled restrooms and new entrance
•Creation of toddler gym space
•Remodeled and expanded senior lounge
•Upgrades to ceiling and floors throughout
Phases II-Expansion This includes adding 32,250 sq. ft to provide: •970 feet of expanded walking track which will connect to the current walking track •Wellness Center featuring a variety of equipment including cardio, ellipticals, treadmills, stair climbers and more •Cycling room with classes as well as subscription based virtual classes •Dedicated fitness class/activity areas •Additional programming space
Programs offered at the Community and Senior Center have something of interest for every member of the family, and all age groups. Included are a wide variety of sports and fitness programs including Pilates, Tai Chi, Stretch & Strength, Cardio, Yoga, Zumba and POUND, a health and fitness program, using weighted drumsticks, to make music for a full body workout.
Speciality programs such as Irish Dance, Family Dodgeball, Painting, Parent and Tot Open Gym, Friends and Fun Social Club, and a new program – Adventure Greece Geocache Club where, through the Parks and Recreation team, groups meet at a new location each week to locate Geocaches. This programs teaches the basics of geocaching, how to create your own cache and discovering new areas of Greece.
There is a wide variety of programs for Seniors at the Community Center. They include Pickleball, Euchre, Bingo, Bridge, Penny Poker and the Lunch Club 60, meals for residents 60+, fitness classes, social programs, parties and day trips.
This Spring, Eggfest 2022 will be held on April 9th with a continental breakfast, story time and an egg hunt. This event is open to all ages.
There are enrichment programs including Book Clubs, Social Clubs, Day Trips and Free Movies available for all ages.
Also on the Town Campus are playgrounds, an entertainment pavilion, pickleball courts, permanently paved walking tracks, outdoor “Wellness Way” with fitness equipment stations, bocce courts, and horseshoe pits.
In August 2018, a ceremony was held unveiling the new StoryWalk installation. It is an enhancement to the paved walking trails. There are 18 reading stations spaced along a 1/4 mile trail. The weather resistant frames contain pages from children’s books. The StoryWalk provides both exercise and educational opportunities.
During the Community Center expansion, activities and programs may change. Please call the office at 585-723-2425 with any questions.
Membership in the Community and Senior Center is free for Greece residents. To join, visit the Community Center at 3 Vince Tofany Blvd. and bring proper photo identification which shows proof of residency (driver’s license, etc.). Non-residents can purchase a Non-Resident Membership.
Community and Senior Center Hours are Monday – Thursday 8AM-8PM; Friday 8AM-5PM; Saturday 8AM-1PM and Closed on Sunday.
For a complete list of programs, registration information and to download the STRIVE Activity Guide, go to www.greeceny.gov Recreation Division page.
LEARNING is FUN at the CHILDREN’S LIBRARY and COMMUNITY CENTER
Photos by Karen Fien
