Senator Nozzolio Announces New Youth Athletic Facility For Webster And Wayne County

Webster - State Senator Michael Nozzolio today joined officials from the Towns of Webster and Ontario and local youth sports enthusiasts to announce the construction of a new youth athletic facility in the Town of Webster. Senator Nozzolio secured $1.5 million in state funding for the athletic complex to be built off of Basket Road. The new multi-sport venue will be lighted and will be used for youth baseball as well as football, soccer and lacrosse. The venue will be available for use by the residents of Webster and Wayne County as well as youth athletic leagues in the area.

Additionally, Senator Nozzolio announced a $25,000 state grant for the Webster Athletic Association to build two new little league baseball fields at Empire Park that will serve more than 600 children ages 7 through 12.

The $1.5 million in funding secured for the project builds on Senator Nozzolio’s previous commitment of $2 million for Webster’s other athletic facilities and programs, including the Webster Soccer Complex, Webster Community Sports Complex, Webster’s baseball and softball programs, the state-of-the-art pool and aquatic program, and the Webster Youth Athletic Scholarship Program.

“The investment in this new athletic facility is an investment in our children’s future. The life lessons learned on the field; hard work, dedication, and commitment; will serve today’s youth as they become tomorrow’s community leaders,” said Senator Nozzolio. “As the State Senator proudly representing Webster and Wayne County, it is my job to work to secure the state funding that is available to construct facilities that will be enjoyed by thousands of families in our area. It is my strong belief that this new facility will be enormously successful and will build upon the outstanding athletic facilities that we already have.”

“There is a reason why Webster has been recognized by Sports Illustrated Magazine as the number one sports town in New York State. Tireless volunteers, dedicated parents, and committed local leaders make up a winning formula for every child in the Town of Webster,” continued Nozzolio.

“Supervisor Ron Nesbitt should be applauded for his leadership and his stewardship of this important project and I commend him for his continued commitment to providing first-class youth athletic facilities for the Webster community. In addition, I would like to thank Bill Boulter for donating the land to the Town of Webster to make this project a reality,” added Nozzolio.

The project will include the construction of a new lighted, multi-purpose field off of Basket Road that will be able to be used for youth athletics, scholastic baseball, sports such as soccer, football, and lacrosse, as well as host the Webster Yankees of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. The funding secured by Senator Nozzolio will also be used to establish parking and lighting at the facility. Once completed, the facility will be available to the public and youth sports leagues.

The Town of Webster has agreed to swap ownership of two parcels of land with town resident Bill Boulter to allow for the construction of the new athletic complex. Mr. Boulter will donate an 8-acre parcel of land off of Basket Road where the Town will build the facility. In return, the Town of Webster will transfer back to Mr. Boulter a 4-acre parcel of adjacent town park land which was previously owned by Mr. Boulter.

The land transfer will require state legislative approval and Senator Nozzolio and Assemblyman David Koon have agreed to sponsor the legislation.

“I am very happy to be involved in this project, and to be able to contribute to the high quality of life the town of Webster offers its residents,” said Assemblyman David Koon. “I look forward to the completion of the sports venue, knowing that it will serve to provide enjoyment and enrichment to the lives of Webster’s youth.”

Webster Supervisor Ron Nesbitt said, “This is outstanding news that Senator Nozzolio is bringing this new athletic facility to Webster. This project will serve the needs of the athletic community by providing Webster with our first lighted field. I would also like to thank Assemblyman Koon for his support of this important project.”

Ontario Supervisor Joe Molino said, “I would like to thank Senator Nozzolio for making this possible and for providing recreational opportunities for the residents of Wayne County. The new facility will be utilized by Wayne County residents and is a wonderful addition for our region.”

Dave Eckler, President of the Webster Athletic Association and Little League, said, “From coach pitch to Williamsport, our players will now have a centrally located Little League complex right here in Webster. This new facility announced by Senator Nozzolio will be an excellent addition to Empire Park and will serve 600 kids from ages 7-12. It has been a pleasure to work with Senator Nozzolio again in bringing first-class athletic facilities to the children of Webster.”

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