Deep tire tracks extended across Marcy Field and the adjacent airstrip on Sunday, July 16. (Company photo: Elizabeth Izzo)
KEENE VALLEY — The City of Keene is looking for help to get Marcy Field repairs underway today.
The field and the adjoining airstrip were vandalized in the early morning hours of July 15, when a driver cut deep tire tracks. The runway is closed indefinitely and pilots are being directed to Lake Placid or Lake Clear airports through a Federal Aviation Administration system.
Starting at 10 a.m. today, the city is calling on anyone interested in participating to help city employees pick up wayward lawns.
“The damage is not covered by our insurance because it is to the lawn and landscape,” Keene City Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson Jr. said Sunday. “This is not specifically covered by our insurance. We are on our own to cover the cost of the repairs.”
It is still unclear who may have vandalized the field. The New York State Police continue to investigate and the city continues to encourage anyone with information to contact the State Police at 518-897-2000 or the City of Keene at 518-576-4444.
“We have no idea who could have done it, but we’re hopeful that we’ll get a break.” said Wilson.
Between waiting for an insurance adjuster to assess the damage, rainy weather and regularly scheduled events at Marcy Field, the city still hasn’t been able to begin repairing the damage. City officials expect some short-term repairs to be made, starting today, but more long-term repairs likely won’t come for some time. Every Sunday, the Keene Farmers Market comes to Marcy Field. Every Tuesday, there is a capture the flag program for youth in the field. On Wednesdays, there’s a concert, Wilson said.
“Something always happens,” said Wilson. “We will have to wait until the fall to make a more permanent and lasting repair.”
City Council employees will lead today’s volunteer day.
“It’s such a big task, there’s so much damage,” said Wilson. “The first step is to pick up the dislodged turf by hand whenever possible and put it back in the ruts. … We need a lot of hands to do this job.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting possible showers and thunderstorms today, but Wilson hopes they can continue working as long as conditions aren’t too bad.
“We’ll have to try, as long as it’s not thunder and lightning,” he said
Those who can’t make it to the workday but are interested in helping can donate to a fundraiser organized by residents online at As of Sunday, $4,438 of the $10,000 goal had been raised. Wilson said he is in contact with the organizer of the fundraiser and added that anyone who is not comfortable donating funds online can send a check to the City of Keene with a note that the money is for Marcy Field.
“We’re getting a very strong response from people who want to help,” said Wilson.
After word got out about the vandalism, a local business, Wade Whitney Inc., donated topsoil for Marcy Field. A national organization, the Recreational Aviation Foundation, reached out to let the city know it would like to buy lunch for volunteers to help with the repairs. The city has also received calls from private residents who want to participate.
“It’s really encouraging to get this kind of support. It’s really going to help us do well.” said Wilson.
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