A $2.2 million project in Yates County could have a big impact on kids and opportunities for physical activity and youth sports.
A few years ago there was a study conducted in the Finger Lakes region. The study looked at the opportunities for youth sports and physical activities in Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Seneca, and Wayne counties.
The findings weren’t great for Yates, which showed that just 51% of youth had access to places where physical activities could happen. Think in the spirit of community or recreation centers.
“Yates County did not fare very well,” Leigh Berry, president of the Yates Community Center board of directors told the Finger Lakes Times. They were more than 15% behind nearby counties in the Finger Lakes. Meaning, at least 65% of the youth in all those aforementioned counties had access to physical activities and youth sports.
The solution for rural Yates County?
A $2.2 million project off North Main Street in Penn Yan. It will include a 9,000 square foot field house. It will also mean improved outdoor facilities, too. Several local organizations and grants have been acquired to make it happen. “We do have the state grant, but we have to raise much more money for this,” Berry added.
Officials hope they can get going by next year.
It’s unclear what the next step will be in the official process, or if more state funds could be acquired for the effort.
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