Let the Games Begin!

ONEONTA—Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, former mayor Kim Muller and Otsego County Chamber of Commerce President Sean Lewis (above) recently took part in a ribbon cutting marking the official opening of the recently reimagined Muller Plaza. Named in honor of former mayor Muller, the plaza will host various activities throughout the summer. These events will be geared toward youth activities organized by Kayler Carpenter, pastor at First Baptist Church, Oneonta, and youth services coordinator for Friends of Recovery-Delaware and Otsego Counties.

“We believe one of the major reasons that our youthful citizens get in trouble with drugs is boredom, and we want to present the opportunity to get involved in activities,” said Carpenter.

“Over the long term,” Drnek said, “I want to enliven the space. It’s not being used.”

As part of that long-term effort, Drnek would like the plaza to host individual entertainers—such as musicians, artists, jugglers or magicians—during the four-to-five months a year when it’s warm enough.

“In short, I would like to see it as a destination for entertainment and relaxation,” Drnek added.
To help start that process, a Muller Plaza Taskforce is being formed. The plaza is located just off Main Street, between KeyBank and the Indian Grill.