The Oneonta Family YMCA announced on Monday, Aug. 5 that Community Financial Systems Inc., parent company of Community Bank, has donated $150,000 towards the construction of a new outdoor urban sports complex at the Y at 20 Ford Ave.
The financial boost will be matched by retired Community Bank Board member Brian Wright, according to a news release. A check presentation is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Y. Work on the project is planned to begin in the spring.
According to the release, the plans call for “a transformative project that will reimagine the underutilized space on the side of the Y to create a vibrant sports complex.”
Renderings of the project show courts and fields for pickleball, basketball and soccer, as well as areas for youth programming and fitness activities.
Frank Russo, executive director of the Oneonta Family YMCA, said in a statement that the Y is “incredibly grateful to Community Bank and Brian Wright for their tremendous generosity and continued support of the community.”
“The new outdoor urban sports complex will provide our community with a much-needed space for recreation and fitness, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for people of all ages,” he said.
Dimitar Karaivanov, Community Financial Systems Inc. president and CEO, said in a statement that the company is “an institution that values strengthening the communities we serve.”
“Community Bank is honored to present this donation to support the Oneonta YMCA’s capital campaign in its efforts to build an outdoor sports complex,” he said. “Beyond serving the financial needs of our customers, we recognize public health and well-being as equally important to ensuring the community thrives. We’re proud to partner with the YMCA in the creation of this state-of-the-art facility that will promote recreation, wellness and, above all else, togetherness, providing opportunities for all ages to engage in sport and lead a more active lifestyle. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this complex will have in the community.”
The check presentation ceremony will be open to the public. Karaivanov is scheduled to attend the event, along with CFO Joseph Sutaris, Commercial Banking Sales Manager Jeffrey Lord, Administrative Supervisor Taylor Bolton and Wright.