In 2016, the Village of Walden dedicated a patch of Wallkill River shoreline at the end of Pine Street to Marcus “Mickey” Millspaugh. The occasion was the honoree’s 90th birthday, and village officials revealed plans to turn the bucolic spot into a boat launch and waterfront park to honor a prominent citizen who loved spending summer afternoons in a canoe. The village received a $150,000 grant from State Senator Bill Larkin to help the project along.

But it hasn’t happened yet and now, one year after the death of the family patriarch, the Millspaugh family is wondering why.

At last week’s Walden Village Board meeting, Trustee Becky Pearson read a letter from Millspaugh’s widow Barbara. The letter was written after the family had gathered at the spot to mark the one-year anniversary of Mickey’s death and was dismayed by the signs of neglect there. A sign, erected by the Boy Scouts, had fallen into disrepair. A garbage can was odorous and overflowing and the grass was not cut.

“I was disheartened and distressed at what was to be attributed to my husband,” Barbara Millspaugh wrote. “I would appreciate an answer as to why the project has been neglected for so many years at this point, our family is ashamed and embarrassed by the appearance.”

Village Manager John Revella said there have been delays from outside sources.

“We all want to get it done. Believe me,” Revella said.

In an email, Revella said that approval was needed from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), which provided funding. Approval was delayed by COVID.

“The first bids came in too high and almost double the grant amount. Once we rebid and found a competent contractor, the Board approved the lowest responsible bidder and we were ready to commence work. The Village DPW and Village Recreation and Parks Departments commenced work to clear the site and prepare for the contractor” Revella wrote.

After the drainage was installed, Revella said they reached out to the contractor to commence work, but didn’t receive a response.

“We are attempting to get a schedule from the contractor. If they do not respond soon, we will have to rebid the project again,” Revella added.

The Millspaughs, determined to see the park revitalized, have seen some progress. Since last week, the grass was mowed and the garbage can addressed. The sign was also freshly painted.