SPRINGWATER, N.Y., Oct. 25, 2023 — The Town of Springwater is installing new bleachers, making updates to existing outdoor seating, and improving the community’s baseball facilities in the town park with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by Livingston County.
The County received these ARPA funds as a result of the pandemic when Congress created a federal bill to support projects that provide for economic resiliency and enhance communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year in January, the County’s Board of Supervisors authorized a portion of the County’s ARPA funds to be distributed equally among its 17 towns to support the creation of or improvement to parks, trails or other forms of outdoor recreation, and/or tourism efforts.
Springwater’s ARPA-funded project began with the purchase of two new sets of bleachers, which ensure compliance with today’s more stringent safety standards. By adding to and upgrading existing seating, the town’s park, located behind the Springwater American Legion Post 905 on School Street, will be able to accommodate a larger number of spectators and create a more comfortable environment for families and friends to cheer on their favorite teams.
In addition to bleacher upgrades, Springwater is making significant enhancements to the Town’s baseball facilities to better align with the requirements of youth baseball. These include a new backstop for player and spectator safety and the addition of electricity infrastructure, which will support the installation of a new scoreboard and eventual field lighting for night games. The town also intends to construct a storage facility which will double as a concession stand on game days.
Town Supervisor Deborah Babbitt shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We have been doing upgrades to the field for the past few years and are now pleased that it is being utilized by the league and school. These new improvements will benefit the children and community. We feel that outdoor recreational activities are a betterment for everyone.”
Visit the “County News” section of the County’s website to see how other local towns have used ARPA funding for their own green space initiatives, including West Sparta’s new community playground and park and York’s upgraded playground facilities.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.