Town wins Exceptional Park Design Award for Athletic Fields project

The Town of Pittsford has won the Exceptional Park Design Award for 2017, awarded by the Genesee Valley Recreation and Parks Society. 

The award is for the Town’s Community Athletic Fields Project.

The Exceptional Park Design Award highlights projects of excellence.   The Society will present the award at its Fall Conference on November 17.

“We are grateful for this recognition,” said Pittsford Town Councilman Jared Lusk, who served as the Town Board’s lead for the project from its inception.  “From concept to design to completion, our athletic fields project brought together youth sports groups, residents, School District staff and Town staff to develop a community resource that is second to none.  These new and improved fields and related park improvements can now be enjoyed by more people, in more ways, and by those with varying abilities.”

The Town began initial work on its Community Athletic Fields Project in 2012, engaging LaBella Associates to assist in preparing a concept plan.  The project was developed to resolve issues related to unsatisfactory athletic field conditions stemming from overuse/excessive demand, the inability to take fields off-line to “rest” and regenerate, and grading/drainage issues while also addressing a need for improved accessibility to Town athletic fields for those with disabilities.  Town officials worked closely with Town staff, community groups, and the Pittsford Central School District in developing the plan to improve and upgrade Town athletic fields and facilities. 

Voters approved funding for the project in September, 2014.  Construction began in the spring of the following year.   The Town made improvements to Great Embankment Park, Hopkins Park, and Thornell Farm Park.  It created the new Farm View Park along Willard Road.  The project encompassed upgrades to restroom facilities, drainage and irrigation, dugouts, outfield fencing, and parking areas.  New pavilions and playgrounds were installed.  As part of the improvements to Thornell Farm Park, the Town created the Pittsford Community Garden.

The Community Athletic Fields Project was completed in June of this year.  Councilman Lusk led the dedication ceremony on June 7.