Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned for New YMCA Sports Park
ONEONTA—The Oneonta Family YMCA invites the community to celebrate the opening of its new Outdoor Urban Sports Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the YMCA, located at 20 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.
According to a press release, “the ceremony marks the completion of a transformative project that has converted an underutilized space alongside the YMCA into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination for the community.” There are dedicated areas for basketball, soccer, youth programming, pickleball, and outdoor fitness, creating new opportunities for healthy living, recreation and community connection, officials said.
“This project represents so much more than a new recreational space,” said Frank Russo, executive director of the Oneonta Family YMCA. “It reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community by creating welcoming spaces where children can play, families can gather, neighbors can connect and people of all ages can lead healthier, more active lives. We aren’t just opening a new program space. We’re creating a place where memories will be made, friendships will grow and our community will come together for years to come.”
The Outdoor Urban Sports Park was made possible through the generosity of local donors, including a lead investment from Community Bank NA and Brian Wright, whose support helped turn the vision into reality.
“At Community Bank, we believe strong communities are built by investing in the places where people live, work and raise their families,” said Dimitar Karaivanov, chief executive officer of Community Financial System, the parent company of Community Bank. “The Oneonta Family YMCA has been a trusted partner in creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, connect and thrive. We are proud to support this project and help bring a new space to life where children can build confidence, families can spend time together and the entire community can come together for years to come.”
The Outdoor Urban Sports Park will immediately become an extension of the YMCA’s mission to strengthen the community. The space will host youth sports and recreation programs, pickleball play, outdoor fitness activities, family events, and community gatherings, while also providing a safe, accessible place for children, teens, adults, and seniors to be active and connect with one another.
“The YMCA anticipates the sports park will become a well-rounded hub of activity and an important community asset for the Greater Oneonta area,” the press release reads.
Community members, local officials, project supporters, and YMCA partners are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour the new Outdoor Urban Sports Park following the official dedication.
“The Oneonta Family YMCA extends its sincere appreciation to Community Bank, the Wright Family, Elizabeth Miller, and the many donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters whose generosity helped bring this exciting community asset to life,” officials said.
