Seward Steps Up To The Plate For Little Falls

LITTLE FALLS, 07/14/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined officials from the City of Little Falls and the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs baseball team to announce a $100,000 state grant to help fund upgrades at Veterans Memorial Park. 

“Veterans Memorial Park is a Little Falls landmark and it will continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Senator Seward.  “I am extremely pleased to partner with Mayor Mark Blask and the city council along with DiamondDawgs Owner Travis Heiser to further foster the tradition of baseball in Little Falls and improve this recreation focal point that means so much to residents, local businesses, and tourists.”

City of Little Falls Mayor Mark Blask said, “The people of Little Falls are incredibly grateful to Senator Seward for his support of the improvements at Veterans Memorial Park.  Senator Seward has long been a strong advocate for Little Falls and the Mohawk Valley as a whole, and we are always appreciative of his efforts.  We will continue to look for more opportunities, like the Veterans Memorial Park project, to improve our beautiful city in an effort to attract more visitors and future life-long residents.  On behalf of the residents here in Little Falls, thank you Senator Seward.”

Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs Owner/President/GM Travis Heiser said, “The DiamondDawgs are thrilled that the city of Little Falls is making substantial upgrades to Veterans Memorial Park.  This facility is a major attraction and when other teams visit they routinely comment on the first-class ballpark.  Many thanks to Senator Seward for recognizing the importance of maintaining our treasures here in the Mohawk Valley.  I know the citizens of Little Falls appreciate him being here tonight and all he has done to make this project a reality.”

Improvements at Veterans Memorial Park will include new stadium lights and poles, a new scoreboard, and resurfaced basketball and tennis courts.  The total cost is estimated at $645,000 with project completion expected this fall.  Little Falls is also receiving a $484,000 municipal parks grant from New York State.

“The upgrades will enhance the fan experience and ensure that high-caliber baseball will continue to be played at Veterans Park – that’s a home run for our quality of life and the local economy.  The basketball and tennis court improvements mean a great deal to athletes young and old who use these facilities on a regular basis.  Even better news for property taxpayers, this grant, coupled with previously announced state funding means that the local cost is minimal,” added Senator Seward.   

-30-