PHILADELPHIA, N.Y. -- It's been 16 years in the making, but the Town of Philadelphia finally has a park to call its own.

"Takes a long time to make these things happen. It's a positive thing," said John Kiechle, former Philadelphia Town Supervisor.

"We've learnt that if you stick with things, and you believe in them, they eventually can become a reality if you work hard,” said Cheryl Horton, the current supervisor of the town.

And that's what town officials did. They stuck with it for nearly two decades, and they say there were many times they thought the park might not make it off the drawing board. However, they've come a long way.

"This was just a hay field and a pasture, and there was a barn," said Kiechle.

The $400,000 project will be partially covered by a grant, and the town will pay the rest. But residents and town officials say this 56-acre park was an essential addition to the community.

"This is very important to us. It was needed in Philadelphia, and it seems to be well receive," said Horton.

"It is a very pleasant place to bring a family. We've had reunions here. We've had weddings here already said Dale Watkins, a retired Indian River School administrator.

Community members say with playgrounds, sports fields and walking trails, the park has something for everyone, but it's more than just a park.

"I think it's going to become a very important monumental area for our young folks growing up and for the old folks to get together and reminisce," said Watkins.

Future plans for the park include creating a fishing pier on the Black Creek and handicap accessible trails.