Thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Kenmore and Kenmore Rotary Foundation, the Town of Tonawanda’s Department of Youth, Parks & Recreation (YPR) has begun installing two new regulation pickleball courts on the front lawn of the Aquatic & Fitness Center (AFC) on Sheridan Dr. near Delaware Rd. Future development of the space will also include the installation of a performing arts stage in 2025. “We are creating a town square setting in this space,” said Town Councilman Carl Szarek, who chairs the town’s YPR Committee. Town crews have already outlined the courts which should be ready for play next spring. When they are completed, the town will have 12 pickleball courts in five locations: Paddock Park, Senior Center, Mang Park, Lincoln Park, and the AFC. The gift from the Rotary club coincides with its 100th anniversary of service to the Ken-Ton Community. “We think a lot of town residents are going to really enjoy the new courts, “said Kenmore Rotary Foundation Board Member Mike Hettler. “I am proud and excited that Rotary is funding this project,” added Rotary President Cathy Piciulo. Donations to the project can be made to the “$100 for 100 Years” campaign through our website: www.kenmorerotary.org. PHOTO (L to R): Youth, Parks & Recreation crew members Cody Novo, Tom Cornell, Crew Chiefs Marty Salerno and Joe Simonian, YPR Superintendent Mark Campanella, Councilman Carl Szarek, Rotary Club President Cathy Piciulo, and Rotary Foundation Board Member Mike Hettler.
- Brandon Blatz