EARLVILLE – After applying for grant funding at least three times, the Village of Earlville was finally awarded a $627,847 grant for renovations to the Fayette Street Park by the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation. Earlville Mayor Tom Taylor announced the news at the Village Board Meeting last week.

The village has been working with the Hamilton Partnership for Community Development (PCD) for several years to create a plan for the park and secure funding for the project. Taylor commended the work of the PCD and Executive Director Jocelyn Gavitt.

“Jocelyn has worked really hard on this project,” explained Gavitt. In an email, Village Trustee Mark Golden added, “We are all thrilled with the announcement for the Park funding, and delighted with the support and efforts by our Hamilton PCD.”

Gavitt began working with the village as a consultant on the project several years ago. When she became the executive director, she really wanted to work on getting the project funded.

“This is an exciting project. The Earlville Community has incredibly strong character for such a little community. Everything is there for it to be a really vibrant place,” he said.