New York Power Authority Announces Recreational Improvements at Whitaker Park in Waddington

New York Power Authority Announces Recreational Improvements at Whitaker Park in Waddington

For Immediate Release:09/18/24

Contact: [email protected] | (315) 764-6863

New York Power Authority Announces Recreational Improvements at Whitaker Park in Waddington

Enhancements Bring New Pickleball Courts to Benefit Local Residents and Visitors

WADDINGTON--The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced the completion of new recreational facilities at Whitaker Park in Waddington, a local park and boat launch facility associated with NYPA's St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project on the St. Lawrence River. The work included the resurfacing of existing tennis and basketball courts allowing for enhanced recreational opportunities, including pickleball. NYPA Board Member Judge Cecily Morris joined state and local elected officials Tuesday in Waddington at a ribbon cutting to officially unveil the new facilities.

Whitaker Park is one of several recreational facilities that fall within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's project boundary for NYPA's St. Lawrence-FDR Hydropower Plant in Massena. The work celebrated today involved drainage improvements, new subgrade and asphalt, layout improvements, additional court options for pickleball, lighting and electrical upgrades and increased playing surface. The improved courts contribute to the overall NYPA facility which also includes boat launches, restroom facilities, baseball fields, walking trails and a playground. The recent enhancements were performed by TJ Fiacco Construction of Norwood, N.Y.

"The Whitaker Park improvements are a result of the great partnerships NYPA has formed with the local communities where we have facilities," said Andy Boulais, NYPA regional manager of Northern New York and senior vice president. "NYPA built these recreation facilities for our host community many years ago and as part of NYPA's commitment to maintain them we are now celebrating improvements that address the changing needs of the local community."

Work on recreation facilities stemmed from the Power Authority's 10-year review of the 2003 Relicensing Agreement for the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. The New York Power Authority owns and operates the park and funded the renovations.

Located along a scenic portion of the St. Lawrence River and New York's international border with Canada, Waddington is a popular stop for boaters and serves as an inviting local attraction for visiting tourists. It is also the site of several national fishing tournaments.

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.govand follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblrand LinkedIn.

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