CALEDONIA, N.Y., Nov. 29, 2023 — The Town of Caledonia has made significant upgrades to its baseball field and facilities through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by Livingston County.
The County received these ARPA funds as a result of the pandemic when Congress created a federal bill to support projects that provide for economic resiliency and enhance communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year in January, the County’s Board of Supervisors authorized a portion of the County’s ARPA funds to be distributed equally among its 17 towns to support the creation of or improvement to parks, trails or other forms of outdoor recreation, and/or tourism efforts.
Located next to the town’s Highway Department at 896 Middle Road, Caledonia’s baseball field recently underwent a near complete transformation with the addition of new backstop and baseline fencing, dugouts, and adjustable bases, said Town Supervisor Daniel Pangrazio.
“This funding has allowed us to expanded access to outdoor recreation for residents in our community. Previously this location was only used for practices by local teams. With the addition of dugouts and adjustable bases, which can be moved back and forth from 60 to 70 feet to accommodate differing league requirements, all age groups are now able to compete here.”
Additionally, the town purchased a portable pitching mound for the baseball diamond that can be moved to different distances or completely off the field to allow for softball games. Caledonia also undertook an expansion of the facility’s parking lot to allow attendance for more spectators.
Looking to the future, Pangrazio said the town used ARPA funds to level out a portion of the baseball field which will be used for soccer games and practices in the summer of 2024.
Visit the “County News” section of the County’s website to see how other local towns have used ARPA funding for their own green space initiatives, including West Sparta’s new community playground and park, Springwater’s baseball facility improvements, and York’s upgraded playground facilities.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.