Albany Gun Rally Costing State $60,000 in Repairs to Park
The State Office of General Services estimates it will spend $60,000 in materials and labor to repair the grass of West Capitol Park. The grass was damaged by the combination of a large crowd and muddy conditions at a February 28 rally opposing the NY safe gun control law.
Office of General Services spokeswoman Heather Groll said the ground at the west end of the park was being graded and prepared for the application of new sod, which weather permitting should be put down during the last week of April.
While the affected areas are recovering, organizers of any future events will be asked to keep participants off the grass with encouragement from various types of barriers.
The NYS Police said the rally attracted more than 5,000 people, though organizers insist the crowd was close to double that figure.
Regardless of the precise count, the turnout was even more remarkable considering the miserable conditions that day, including rain, sleet and a cutting wind that chilled even the most impassioned second amendment supporter.