Park to be renamed
Will honor Bill Chamberlain
TROY, N.Y. » City officials recently announced a plan to rename Riverfront Park in honor of former director of operations William D. Chamberlain, who was murdered in 2015.
In a recent news release, Troy Mayor Patrick Madden announced the city will officially dedicate Riverfront Park to the memory of William D. Chamberlain, the City’s longtime Director of Operations. The park and adjacent portion of Front Street will be dedicated as “William D. Chamberlain Riverfront Park” and “Chamberlain Way” in recognition of Chamberlain’s life and three decade career with the city.
“The dedication of Riverfront Park to Bill Chamberlain is a permanent and meaningful recognition of his extraordinary contributions to our great city,” said Madden in the news release. “Bill was a tremendous figure in the community who worked tirelessly for our residents, families, neighborhoods and businesses, and this memorial will ensure his legacy of service and commitment are never forgotten. I applaud the numerous volunteers who contributed to this important effort and look forward to sharing this special day with the Chamberlain family this spring.”
“The dedication of Riverfront Park to Bill Chamberlain is a permanent and meaningful recognition of his extraordinary contributions to our great city.” — Troy Mayor Patrick Madden
The City Council is planning to approve the park renaming at its April 5 meeting, with the measure first being introduced at the council’s next Finance Committee meeting on March 22.
Last year, a jury in Rensselaer County Court convicted Joseph Vandenburgh of second-degree murder and thirddegree criminal possession of a weapon. He is expected to serve 25 years to life in prison.
According to the news release, plans for a permanent memorial began in 2017 when a local volunteer committee – consisting of friends, city employees and former coworkers – began discussions on how to honor and pay respect to the memory of Bill Chamberlain. In coordination with the city administration and the Chamberlain family, the committee proposed and obtained approval for the dedication of the park and street.
The release said that the memorial committee raised nearly $4,000 from local donors to cover costs associated with the dedication of the park, including the design & production of memorial signs from Troy-based business Sign Studio, Inc.
“Both I and our sons, Ryan and Patrick, are deeply honored by this recognition. We are extremely touched by this dedication especially because it came to fruition by the efforts and work of his colleagues that Bill appreciated and respected so very much,” said Bill’s wife of 31 years Nancy Chamberlain in the news release.
A special dedication ceremony has been scheduled for noon, Saturday, April 21, at Riverfront Park, with a reception at Ryan’s Wake, located at 403 River Street, to be held immediately following the event.