Larchmont Approves Flint Park Family Camp Out

At its Monday meeting, the Larchmont Board of Trustees approved the Recreation Committee's request to hold a family camp out this summer at Flint Park.

"We spoke with the Department of Public Works and the Recreation Department, and decided it's something we can do," Mayor Joshua Mandell said.

The camp out will be held on July 16 and begin in the evening. To attend, residents must sign up through the Recreation Department's Web site.

Mandell cited two stipulations for the event.

"We need to make it clear there can be no tent spikes," he said. Tent spikes would likely puncture the irrigation system beneath the ground, he explained.

"Parents should come with their kids and stay," Mandell added. "The event isn't offering babysitting, just the facilities."

Block party

The board approved the request to hold a multi-business block party on Larchmont Avenue, between Gilder Street and Addison Street, on July 14, Bastille Day.

Carolynn Dilworth, who owns Auray Gourmet, is organizing the event for the second consecutive year.

"Last year was a huge success," she said. "We were expecting 100 people, and 500 showed up."

As a result, this year's block party has expanded significantly. Last year, the event featured only two village merchants; this year, it will have 17.

The block party will primarily feature French products and food, with favorites from last year—Nutella and sugar crepes—carrying over. The event will also have local musicians and games for children.

New bicycle hitching posts

The board announced the installation of 12 bicycle hitching posts throughout the village, with six in each business district.

"People will now be able to bicycle to businesses where you don't carry out a product, like nail salons or movie theaters," said Village Trustee Richard Ward. "This will open up 24 new parking spaces downtown."

Installation will occur in approximately two weeks, Ward added.

Environmental concerns

Village Trustee Marlene Kolbert discussed the board's progress on the environmental front, and offered advice on how to remain environmentally friendly.

"Parents shouldn't idle [their vehicles] when dropping children off at school," Kolbert said. "It's bad for everyone around you, and the environment."

"We've also stopped some village spotlights from running 24/7," Mandell added.

Summer tennis events

The board approved the Recreation Committee's request to hold several tennis events this summer. On June 18, from 6-8 p.m., there will be an adult tennis scramble, and on June 19, from 3:30-5 p.m. there will be a free children's tennis clinic.