New York Power Authority and Waddington Officials Dedicate Renovations to Whittaker Park

Contact
Carol Simpson
(315) 764-0226, ext. 304 or (800) 262-NYPA - within NYS
carol.simpson@nypa.gov

August 19, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MASSENA—Al Schriver, regional manager, Northern New York, New York Power Authority (NYPA), today joined with Liz Phillips, mayor, Village of Waddington, Russ Strait, recreation director, Town and Village of Waddington, and other local officials to formally dedicate the newly renovated facilities for Whittaker Park. The renovations were completed late this spring in time for the village’s summer season.

“As part of the many responsibilities that came with the new license for the St. Lawrence Project, the Power Authority is dedicated to restoring the recreational areas within the project boundaries, like Whittaker Park,” said Schriver. “We understand the value and enjoyment these park improvements bring to the North Country, as our families, too, share in the special times they inspire.”

“The Village of Waddington is thrilled to have once again worked with the Power Authority and to express our gratitude for their efforts to improve Whittaker Park,” said Mayor Phillips. “We believe many hours of good, old-fashioned fun will come from these improvements to create happy memories for all Village families.”

Facilities at Whittaker Park were completely rehabilitated and/or replaced by J.E. Sheehan Contracting Corp. of Potsdam with subcontractors including Burns Bros (Potsdam), S&L Electric (Colton), Grasse River Asphalt & Paving (Canton), Parker Line Striping (Dekalb), Butler Fence North, Inc (Watertown), and Scott Painting (Alex Bay). The improvements were designed by C&S Engineers located in Syracuse. Among the subcontractors working with C&S Engineers were Reimann-Buechner (Syracuse) and N.K. Bhandari (Syracuse). Bernier, Carr & Associates (Watertown) served as construction manager.

At Whittaker Park, the complete rehabilitation of its facilities included replacing most Park attractions, most notably, all recreation fields, tennis court fencing, and a new subsurface drainage system for the baseball field which also received a new graded playing surface. All playground equipment was replaced with new equipment and play surfaces that are handicapped-accessible and meet the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). New restroom facilities were built and older facilities were replaced with new structures and fixtures with all facilities to be ADA-compliant. A floating dock, paved walkway and information kiosk have also been added along with a wider entrance driveway, new signs and a variety of other projects.

The new 50-year license for the St. Lawrence Project was awarded to the Power Authority by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in late 2003. As part of the new license, the Power Authority is required to refurbish existing recreational facilities and build new ones. In December 2003, NYPA trustees authorized expenditures totaling about $170 million—including the costs of recreational facilities—to comply with the new license. In 2004, FERC approved the recreation plan.

Whittaker Park, located in the Village of Waddington, is operated by the village under an annual maintenance agreement with the Power Authority.

Every 12 years during the term of the new license, NYPA will prepare and file with FERC a report on the adequacy of the recreational facilities associated with the power project in consultation with the towns within the project boundary and other area organizations.