The Friends of Barker Park is an established not-for-profit organization composed of energetic local citizens and business owners.
As of 2007, the Friends of Barker Park has re-organized its board and is moving forward with its mission to rehabilitate
the park. Our diverse group brings a range of skills, knowledge and dedication to the table that have proven invaluable,
and allow us to make significant progress.
Intern Architect and Urban Designer at Saratoga Associates
Marc and his wife Melissa have been property owners and residents of downtown
Troy since 2004. Marc is co-chair of the American Institute of Architects Eastern
New York Chapter of the Communities on the Environment. He is a main organizer of
the annual Green Material Expo and Green in Motion Tour. In addition to rehabilitating
a 3rd Street building from the early 19th century, Marc is an adjunct professor in the School
of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Bryan Kahrs :: Vice President
Bryan is a Senior Graphic Designer at id29 (Troy, NY).He has been a resident
of Troy since 2005. He has applied his skills to a variety of local
events such as,
"The Gilded Pony," "Troy Night Out," "The Green Material Expo,"
and "Green In Motion Tour." His wife, Julie Rose, is owner and operator of
The Movement Lab, A Pilates Studio in downtown Troy.
Deane Semerad Pfeil :: Treasurer
Jeff and Deane are President and Vice-President (respectively) of J.W. Pfeil & Company,
Inc. and Managing Members of Troy Living, LLC, developer of The Conservatory
Apartments at 65 3rd Street in Troy. Their combined expertise comprises
construction, property management, historic restoration, development, marketing
and PR and commercial real estate and retail leasing. Deane was born and
raised in Troy. In 2006 they successfully completed and sold Powers Park
Lofts in Lansingburgh, an 18-loft, adaptive re-use of a 19th century textile
factory near the river.
David Kropp :: Board Member
Conceptal Designer, Aquatic Development Group, Inc. (water park design/build company)
As a professional Landscape Architect, David has over 35 years of design experience. While raised in Rensselaer County,
David's career centered primarily in the leisure resort and entertainment sectors. His work includes domestic and international
resort, hotel, community and park projects. After living in the SE for 30 years, David returned to the area (2003) in part
to participate in the downtown Troy renaissance.
Jeffrey W. Pfeil :: Board Member
Jeff and Deane are President and Vice-President (respectively) of J.W. Pfeil & Company, Inc. and Managing Members of Troy Living, LLC,
developer of The Conservatory Apartments at 65 3rd Street in Troy. Their combined expertise comprises construction, property management,
historic restoration, development, marketing and PR and commercial real estate and retail leasing. Deane was born and raised in Troy.
In 2006 they successfully completed and sold Powers Park Lofts in Lansingburgh, an 18-loft, adaptive re-use of a 19th century textile factory near the river.
Melissa Barry :: Secretary
Community and Regional Planner at Behan Planning Associates in Saratoga Springs.
Melissa is a Troy native and current resident who remembers feeding pigeons in Barker Park with her grandmother. Melissa is on the board of the
Rensselaer Land Trust and an adjunct professor in the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Jeff Buell :: Board Member
Jeff Buell moved to Troy at the ripe old age of 6. Graduate of Catholic Central High School and the College of Saint Rose with a degree in
communications. Currently employed by the City of Troy as the Director of Public Information. Drives approximately 30 miles per week in an effort
to keep down his carbon footprint, I am a downtown resident excited about all of the change occuring in Troy, and being part of a group that is not
waiting for someone to move them, but making sure the movement happens now!
Adam Frelin :: Board Member
Assistant Professor of Sculpture, University at Albany
Adam moved to Troy in the fall of 2006 to begin teaching at UAlbany. His interests in park design and community service
lead him to take part in the redesigning of Barker Park. He is also is a member of the Arts Center of the Capital Region exhibition committee.
Bakerloo Theatre Project
Sunday, December 2 :: Noon / 1 / 2 / 3PM at Barker Park
Reading the Holidays
Actors from Bakerloo Theatre Project will perform dramatic readings
of seasonal poems and stories at Barker Park.
Each performance at Barker Park will be fifteen minutes long,
beginning at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
These events are free and appropriate for all ages.
Barker Park Community Meeting
Thursday, August 23 :: 6-7:30 PM
St. Anthony's Church, State Street between Third and Fourth Streets
The Friends of Barker Park invite you to attend a community meeting on August 23rd at 6pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to review plans for improvements to Barker Park and solicit
feedback from community members. The Friends are particularly interested in getting feedback
from residents and businesses surrounding the park, so please pass this along to others that might
be interested.
Rocky Velvet at Barker Park
July 27, 2007 :: 8pm
Troy Night Out
We will be at the park raising awareness during the cities sponsored event in which the Rocky
Velvet will play Barker Park.
This is a free event. So show your support for the band and come support Barker Park!
