The Neighborhood Park area of Briarcliff Manor is perfect for families with growing children. The park itself was dedicated to the Village of Briarcliff Manor in 1954 and covers five acres of land featuring a baseball field, basketball court and playground. Many streets around the area are named for soldiers that served in combat, such as Schrade Road. The Wichman family calls Neighborhood Park home.
Amy, assistant to a high school Athletic Director, Steve, who works in sales, Zachary, age 16 and Madeline age 14 have lived in Neighborhood Park five years this April. The family moved from an Ossining townhouse because they were looking for more space and a neighborhood with a suburban feel. “Moving to Neighborhood Park allowed our kids to remain in the Ossining Schools and we also gained the benefit of access to the Briarcliff Recreation Department. My children utilized the Briarcliff Camps for the first few years we lived here. They had many friends in the neighborhood, both in Briarcliff and Ossining and were able to safely walk or ride bikes to see them,” says Amy.
Living in the neighborhood means close access to the park. The Wichman children can safely walk there with friends as well as to the local shops. “Now that our children are older, when they have friends over, the
y often walk to the shops, specifically, Euro Pizza and Starbucks,” says Amy. The neighborhood is the perfect place for families with pets too. The Wichmans have a puppy and they love walking her around the neighborhood. As Amy says, “Almost everybody seems to have a dog.”
In addition to the safe community feel of the area, Neighborhood Park also celebrates various events throughout the year. One family holds an annual Halloween party for the neighborhood children. As the years go by, the adults now gather while the kids trick-or-treat on their own. The Briarcliff Manor Community Day event is also an important part of the village. Says Amy, “The kids have a blast and we get to run into many friends and acquaintances.” Definitely a great way to meet new neighbors while catching up with old friends.