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U.S. Oval Park

About the Park

US Oval Park is located within the United States Oval Historic District, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 53-acre site is part of the larger Plattsburgh City Multiple Resource Area. The 28 buildings included in the Historic District were all constructed between 1893 and 1934 as components of the US Army's Plattsburgh Barracks. The current US Oval Park was formerly utilized as the Army's athletic fields and parade grounds. The Park celebrates its rich history by offering several sporting fields and maintaining historic structures, such as the gazebo.

Additional information about this historic site can be found online in the National Archives Catalog.

Address

52 US Oval

Park Amenities

Football Field
Gazebo
Historical Site
Parking
Picnic Tables
Playground
Soccer Field
Tennis Court

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Project Launch

Project Launch

Phase 2: Public Outreach

Public Outreach

Phase 3: Analyze Feedback and Draft Masterplan

Analyze Feedback and Draft Masterplan

Phase 4: Finalize Plan and First Round of Community Feedback

Finalize Plan and First Round of Community Feedback

Phase 5: Second Round of Community Feedback

Second Round of Community Feedback

Phase 6: First Round Design and Bid

First Round Design and Bid

Phase 7: Future Developments in Progress

Future Developments in Progress

Second Round of Community Feedback

March 24, 2023 4:00 AM - April 22, 2023 4:00 AM

The City is seeking your input on the final plan for US Oval Park. Click on the document below to review the plan and leave us a comment!

US+Oval+Park+Concept+Plan+Package.pdf

(5.7 MB)

20 issues

Geraldine Favreau3 years ago I am President of the Clinton County Historical Association and I am very concerned that a very important historical site on the Oval does not appear on this plan,,,that is the stone and brass monument for Fort Moreau. Under '"existing" there is the flag pole and Veterans Park but not this monument. In fact, the current location of this monument appears to be where the new playground and picnic area are planned. This monument, and the one for Fort Scott, are crumbling and need attention before they are totally destroyed. I have reached out to the City previously about getting these two monuments repaired with no results. I would very much like to meet with someone from the City again to make sure these two monuments are repaired/replaced. The placement of an interpretative panel highlighting would be an important addition in making sure people know about the history of those two sites. CCHA may have access to funding for the panel and someone has already offered to help pay for the repair of the Moreau monument.Another issue is the Admin Bldg. or Bldg. 100. I do realize that it is privately owned but with lack of attention it deteriorates more and more each year. I am pleased that the park will be used by people of all ages but keeping in mind that there was a really great Boy Scout encampment there a few years ago and there should an effort to make sure there is space for those kinds of events in the future.Thanks for considering my concerns.

Dan Cosgro3 years ago Next to the gazebo on the north side of the Oval is a paved ice rink that has not been used in decades. It is in good shape and would cost the city very little to open to the public for winter use. It is well shaded and would keep its ice longer, It has a fire hydrant nearby to supply water, it even has lights. I grew up in Cliff Haven and we had a hockey rink that was managed by the community. We swept the area clean, flooded with use of fire hydrant, and was widely used. Also would like to see porta potties placed at both ends of the Oval and both ends of the bicycle/walking path near the train tracks. How about the old tennis courts next to the apartments north of the YMCA. Is that private land? Can they be restored for tennis and pickleball?

ira barbell3 years ago I would encourage creating healthy activities for elderly adults -- even pickle ball can be over taxing for many older adults -- add Petanque courts in all the parks with benches low maintenance surface. . Include in all parks weight-based exercise stations -- a good example exist at Cumberland bay campground. Young and older adults will use these facilities in combination with the walking --running paths for to improce physical wellness.

Nancy Nichols-Goldstein3 years ago While I applaud the inclusion of a safe designated walking path as well as the public bathrooms at both ends of the park, I remain concerned that proper restoration of the Moreau and the Scott monuments is not being addressed as part of the plan. To let them fall into further disrepair signals disrespect for those who took risks and stood tall for our lasting benefit. They are an integral part of the Oval history.

Chris Ransom3 years ago

Henry Morlock3 years ago

Linda Neubauer3 years ago

Edward Neubauer3 years ago This may already be part of the plan, but... I would urge the city to consider removing the massive aging cottonwood trees on the Oval and replacing them. With their dying and falling branches, they pose a serious safety risk and leave a mess everywhere. I am sure you are in contact with an arborist, but some long-living native species (such as pin oak, sugar maple) would be great. They have tremendous ecological value, as well.Thanks for your time,Ed Neubauer

Robin Caudell3 years ago Not only Fort Moreau, but the other Battle of Plattsburgh historic sites should be curated as part of the historic assets of the community. An App could be created that would take locals and visitors on a walking tour of the sites.Col. Melancton Smith, founder of The Republican newspaper, commanded Fort Moreau during the Battle of Plattsburgh. Col. Smith's home was once the most luxurious house in Plattsburgh. It stood where the Strand Center for the Arts is located today.His son, Rear Admiral Melancton Smith III, served in the Navy during the Civil War and commanded the USS Massachusetts and the USS Wabash.Col. Smith and his brother Capt. Sidney Smith, who served in Macdonough's fleet, are the sons of Judge Melancton Smith, one of the original proprietors of Plattsburgh, and he was instrumental in ratifying the Constitution.See Below.Preserving Fort Moreau and upgrading these sites with interpretive panels should be included in the upgrades to the Oval to enrich the cultural assets of the City.Key Figures in the Ratification of the Constitution:Melancton SmithState: New YorkAge at Ratifying Convention: 44Affiliation: AntifederalistNom de Plume: possibly BrutusVote at Ratifying Convention: YeaDate of Birth: May 7, 1744Date of Death: July 29, 1798Schooling: Home-EducatedOccupation: MerchantPrior Political Experience: Delegate to the New York Provincial Congress, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-1787.Other Political Activities: New York State Assembly, 1791. Upvote this comment no upvotes Reply

Robin Caudell3 years ago Not only Fort Moreau, but the other Battle of Plattsburgh historic sites should be curated as part of the historic assets of the community. An App could be created that would take locals and visitors on a walking tour of the sites.Col. Melancton Smith, founder of The Republican newspaper, commanded Fort Moreau during the Battle of Plattsburgh. Col. Smith's home was once the most luxurious house in Plattsburgh. It stood where the Strand Center for the Arts is located today.His son, Rear Admiral Melancton Smith III, served in the Navy during the Civil War and commanded the USS Massachusetts and the USS Wabash.Col. Smith and his brother Capt. Sidney Smith, who served in Macdonough's fleet, are the sons of Judge Melancton Smith, one of the original proprietors of Plattsburgh, and he was instrumental in ratifying the Constitution.See Below.Preserving Fort Moreau and upgrading these sites with interpretive panels should be included in the upgrades to the Oval to enrich the cultural assets of the City.Key Figures in the Ratification of the Constitution:Melancton SmithState: New YorkAge at Ratifying Convention: 44Affiliation: AntifederalistNom de Plume: possibly BrutusVote at Ratifying Convention: YeaDate of Birth: May 7, 1744Date of Death: July 29, 1798Schooling: Home-EducatedOccupation: MerchantPrior Political Experience: Delegate to the New York Provincial Congress, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-1787.Other Political Activities: New York State Assembly, 1791. Upvote this comment no upvotes Reply

Robin Caudell3 years ago Not only Fort Moreau, but the other Battle of Plattsburgh historic sites should be curated as part of the historic assets of the community. An App could be created that would take locals and visitors on a walking tour of the sites.Col. Melancton Smith, founder of The Republican newspaper, commanded Fort Moreau during the Battle of Plattsburgh. Col. Smith's home was once the most luxurious house in Plattsburgh. It stood where the Strand Center for the Arts is located today.His son, Rear Admiral Melancton Smith III, served in the Navy during the Civil War and commanded the USS Massachusetts and the USS Wabash.Col. Smith and his brother Capt. Sidney Smith, who served in Macdonough's fleet, are the sons of Judge Melancton Smith, one of the original proprietors of Plattsburgh, and he was instrumental in ratifying the Constitution.See Below.Preserving Fort Moreau and upgrading these sites with interpretive panels should be included in the upgrades to the Oval to enrich the cultural assets of the City.Key Figures in the Ratification of the Constitution:Melancton SmithState: New YorkAge at Ratifying Convention: 44Affiliation: AntifederalistNom de Plume: possibly BrutusVote at Ratifying Convention: YeaDate of Birth: May 7, 1744Date of Death: July 29, 1798Schooling: Home-EducatedOccupation: MerchantPrior Political Experience: Delegate to the New York Provincial Congress, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-1787.Other Political Activities: New York State Assembly, 1791. Upvote this comment no upvotes Reply

Stanley A. Ransom3 years ago The Battle of Plattsburgh is one of the most important events in the CIty of Plattsburgh and in the USA. The Fort Moreau Monument on the US Oval is linked to the Battle of Plattsburgh and is especially important to our history. Please adjust the proposed plans to make sure the Fort Moreau Monument is not removed or covered but recognized and maintained as being a most important reminder of our history. Stan Ransom

Chris Ransom3 years ago

Cindy Bruneau3 years ago It's very sad to see that the city doesn't even acknowledge the existence of the Fort Moreau Monument on the US Oval. It's a significant historical site dated September 6, 1814 that tells of how we saved ourselves from becoming permanent subjects of England. I think this monument is much more important than a child's swing. Keep this monument please!!! The new picnic area (#9) should not replace this monument but incorporate it so children and others can learn more about our area's history.

Karen Donoghue3 years ago Thank you for redoing our parks in Plattsburgh. What we like is the picnic area and gazebo. We suggest a balance beam and a ninja course at the Oval if possible. Can you provide a map for people to know where things are? (C.R, W.F)Keep the existing flagpole but upgrade what is there. (A.A, A.D)Keep 2 of the lacrosse fields (not all 3). (A.A, A.D)For the Traverse Rings and Rounds can you put something soft under so if you fall off you will be safe? We love the nature play loop because kids may want to play on the trail. (M.H, C.C, S.F, E.S) (A.L, F.S, P.S)Are you going to be taking all the old equipment away? We don't want you to do that because some kids may still want to play on them. (A.L, F.S, P.S)We think the Parc Julie-Hamelin is a cool and fun idea. Can you make a spider web for ages older than 12? (A.L, F.S, P.S)Thank you for putting effort and money into our Oval Park.

Tom Donahue3 years ago

Margaret Tolosky3 years ago

James Cyphers3 years ago Overall, this is really well done. Thank you. Here are some things to keep in mind going forward:--For the walking path in particular to work, it will be vital to make sure people can no longer park on the Oval grass for sports events. It looks like the tree plantings will help with that, but it's something to think about.--As an Oval resident, I wouldn't mind if the athletic fields on the southwest end were pushed more toward the center of the grounds and away from the homes. Parents can get pretty loud on Sunday mornings.--Any chance for an fenced-in dog run somewhere?

Malana Tamer3 years ago Due to the military history of this area and the existing memorials, it would be nice if park upgrades emphasized and built upon our military history. ie. interpretive panels or play equipment centered around oval use/history/lake champlain/BOP, etc. In addition, a connection to the existing monuments and memorials should occur in Phase 1 to create connectivity and honor the existing memorial. Any plans for existing ice rink?

Annmarie Csorny3 years ago Thank you for the effort, the plans look great. Not sure how many seating options are included but recommend a good amount, on the bike path too. I would strongly recommend connecting the oval park to the lake. Yes, I see that you are upgrading the path to the bike path, but that path is too closed in by trees and train you cannot see the lake. I think if we are going to call ourselves the lake city then we should be able to see the lake especially from such a historic park. The view of water draws people to it, it helps to calm and positively impacts wellness. The signage at the path should include information about the 2-beach access along the path again something that should be more visible. As part of future planning, depending on the future of the oval YMCA site (given that they Y will soon take up residency at the new site) I suggest we look at the oval Y space a part of the oval park and perhaps consider it Plattsburgh's Livingroom. This type of design offers many ways for residents to engage with the city, the lake and the park. It also offers rental opportunities, for conferences space, event space, etc. Thank you for the effort, the plans look great. Looking forward to seeing the end results and would love to see some of my recommendations included. Ann Csorny

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Community Oriented Services (COPS) Event
Event date: June 23rd, 2022 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
U.S. Oval Park
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