HAMBURG – New York State Assemblymember Jonathan D. Rivera announced, as part of the NYS Assembly’s Budget Initiatives process in which state grants are provided in support of services that benefit local communities, that a litany of funding has been acquired for the Town of Hamburg, the Village of Hamburg and the Village of Blasdell for various enhancements within each respective community.

Town of Hamburg

In the Town of Hamburg, $42,000 will be allocated for parks and recreation improvements. The town plans to purchase an accessible golf cart for individuals with disabilities and matting for improved wheelchair access at Hamburg Beach.

For the town’s youth and adult basketball/volleyball programs, town officials will seek to purchase and install new bleachers and backboards in the gymnasium. An additional goal through the funding will be to implement a concrete foundation for an outdoor shuffleboard court for senior citizens.

Hamburg Town Councilman Shawn Connolly said, “We are thrilled to receive this assistance from Assemblymember Rivera. In a short time, Jon has taken an active role in improving our community. Recently, he personally toured all our town recreation facilities with me and our top recreation leaders, Marty Denecke and Joe Wenzel. His concern and hands-on approach to our recreational needs is greatly appreciated.”

Village of Hamburg

The Village of Hamburg will see $40,000 in funding for its Recreation Department, which plays host to multiple youth programs.

The department hosts an afterschool program, summer day camp, youth flag football league, youth basketball league, softball leagues, swim lessons, as well as craft and photography classes.

As a result of the pandemic, the village’s Recreation Department has been forced to restructure many of its programs and leagues, which has included expanding to more facilities, and in turn, the purchasing of more equipment and supplies.

Village of Hamburg Mayor Thomas J. Moses, Sr. said, “This past year was tough on budgets. We appreciate Assemblyman Rivera’s assistance, which will allow us to continue to offer quality recreation programs and acitvities in the Village of Hamburg, while still adhering to state guidelines.”

Village of Blasdell

In Blasdell, funds will be used to contribute to the construction of two Pickleball courts at JFK Playground.

Pickleball, a hybrid sport of tennis and badminton in which four players — teams of two — hit a paddleball over a net, has exploded in popularity in the last few years, particularly among older demographics who may prefer the game to the more labor-intensive tennis.

While several towns and villages have incorporated Pickleball areas onto their tennis courts, many residents have called for municipalities to construct Pickleball-specific courts.

Currently, the demand for Pickleball courts exceeds what the available amenities in both Blasdell and Hamburg can provide. Construction of these courts will allow residents more flexibility in game time and for other recreational pursuits.

Village of Blasdell Mayor Rob Hefner said, “I would like to thank Assemblyman Rivera and his staff for helping Blasdell receive the funds to enable us to improve on our existing Pickleball courts. We’ll be able to add two courts and make improvements to the surrounding grounds. This sport has become very popular in our community and we now will have the ability to bring in more courts for people to enjoy it in JFK Park.”