Town of Tonawanda – New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad today, July 12, 2023, joined leaders from the Town of Tonawanda and Arts Services Inc. (ASI) in celebrating the formal “reveal” of a new mural at the Town Aquatic & Fitness Center.

Conrad secured $36,000 in New York State Office of Children and Family Services funding for the commission, which was awarded to Buffalo artist Cassandra Ott.

The painted mural adorns two sides of the center’s stucco façade, which is visible from Sheridan Drive near Delaware Road. Ott’s design was chosen by the Town’s Youth, Parks & Recreation Art Group, a committee made up of Town and State officials, a Ken-Ton Schools visual arts teacher, and a representative of ASI, the Western New York-based organization that administered the grant.

The call for artists garnered nearly 30 proposals, making this one of ASI’s best responses to date. The design needed to be cohesive enough to wrap around the building, with perspective that could be enjoyed from afar as well as up close. Artists were asked to present a modern take on the concepts of health and wellness.

Ott completed the mural over the course of several days in June. It measures 200 feet by 16 feet on one side and 59 feet by 16 feet on the other.

Assemblyman Bill Conrad said, “I knew immediately that Cassi’s proposed design was just what the YPR Art Group was looking for – and now that her work is complete, I have to say it exceeds all expectations.

It’s cheerful, attention-grabbing, and imparts a clear identity. She did a beautiful job. I also thank my partners in State government for understanding that public art provides an enrichment for communities, and I thank ASI for its guidance through this process. If you have yet to discover the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic & Fitness Center and all it has to offer, there has never been a better time to visit than now.”

Arts Services Inc. Executive Director Jen Swan-Kilpatrick said, “Arts Services Inc. was so pleased to partner with Assemblyman Conrad and the Town on this project. We always want to ensure local artists have chances like this one to apply for commissions and share their work with the public. Cassi’s design is vibrant, playful and engaging, and the mural helps establish the AFC as a central landmark for the neighborhood.”

Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger said, “Thousands of vehicles pass by our Aquatic & Fitness Center every day as they travel on Sheridan Drive, and this mural is a game-changer, in terms of the public perception of the facility. It hasn’t looked this good since it was constructed over 30 years ago! The community wants to thank Assemblyman Conrad for making this possible.”

Town of Tonawanda Board Member and YPR Committee Chair Carl Szarek said, “We have always considered the AFC a jewel of the Town, and now thanks to Cassi’s artwork, it stands out to passersby and will get more of the attention it deserves. Our world-class aquatic and fitness facility finally has a look that suits its place of importance in Tonawanda!”

Town of Tonawanda Youth, Parks & Recreation Superintendent Mark Campanella said, “After upgrading the AFC over the last year-plus, we loved having the opportunity to modernize the face of it, too. This mural is a key component of YPR’s ongoing rebranding efforts. We want everyone in our greater community to know that the Town of Tonawanda is a great place to live, work and play.”

Muralist Cassandra Ott said, “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to create a vibrant mural for the Tonawanda Aquatic & Fitness Center. Thank you, Assemblyman Conrad and ASI, for trusting me with this huge building. My goal was to bring elements of this amazing facility outside, so that people passing by could get a sense of our wonderful community asset. It brings me great joy to create art in public spaces, and I hope my mural will delight viewers and visitors for years to come.”

About the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic & Fitness Center

The 30-year-old Aquatic & Fitness Center at 1 Pool Plaza features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and fully equipped fitness space. The facility recently underwent renovations, which were unveiled last year. The center also serves as a backdrop for outdoor performances and other events that are held on the grounds in the warmer months.