BALLSTON SPA — The start of the fifth annual Ballston Spa Birdhouse Program has begun. This year, there are over 1,000 birdhouses decorated to adorn the streets of Ballston Spa. Along with a sculptural display in Wiswall Park and newly-created street banners, the overall display is a celebration of community spirit.
To request a free birdhouse, go to www.askbspa.com and fill out a request form. The birdhouses are picked up in a safe, no-contact procedure and need to be returned by April 1 to be hung in time for spring.
The Birdhouse program is the centerpiece of the yearly arts initiative for the Village of Ballston Spa and is a favorite of the children, families, seniors, special needs/intellectually-diverse community living in and around the village.
“The birdhouse program is truly an amazing and unique experience,” said Mayor Frank Rossi, Jr. “It’s the essence of what our Village stands for; we’re a Village of Friends working together to make this a great place to live.”
Doug Ford, Vice President of Curtis Lumber, remarked, “Curtis Lumber is proud to donate the wood for the Ballston Spa Birdhouse Program, as it’s an incredible chance for the community to come together and support everyone who lives and works in Ballston Spa.”
This year, the Birdhouse Program has partnered with Curtis Lumber and the Workforce Development Coalition to support trades in the schools to show students that the trades are a viable career opportunity once they finish their education.
Ballston Spa Middle School, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Middle School, and Schuylerville Middle School all participated in building the 1,000-plus birdhouses, giving the students a unique opportunity in learning production and woodworking skills, while giving back to the community.
The program is organized by the non-profit, Arts and Science Creating Community, Inc. (ASK). The Ballston Spa Birdhouse Program is funded by generous donations and grants by: Curtis Lumber, the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, Saratoga County, the Town of Milton, and the Village of Ballston Spa.
