WADDINGTON – The new recreational facilities at Whitaker Park are complete.

The local park and boat launch facility is associated with New York Power Authority’s (NYPA’s) St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project on the St. Lawrence River. The work included the resurfacing of existing tennis and basketball courts allowing for enhanced recreational opportunities, including pickleball. NYPA Board Member Judge Cecily Morris joined state and local elected officials Tuesday in Waddington at a ribbon cutting to officially unveil the new facilities.  

Whitaker Park is one of several recreational facilities that fall within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's project boundary for NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR Hydropower Plant in Massena. The work celebrated today involved drainage improvements, new subgrade and asphalt, layout improvements, additional court options for pickleball, lighting and electrical upgrades and increased playing surface. The improved courts contribute to the overall NYPA facility which also includes boat launches, restroom facilities, baseball fields, walking trails and a playground. The recent enhancements were performed by Fiacco and Riley Construction of Norwood. 

"The Whitaker Park improvements are a result of the great partnerships NYPA has formed with the local communities where we have facilities,” said Andy Boulais, NYPA regional manager of Northern New York and senior vice president.  “NYPA built these recreation facilities for our host community many years ago and as part of NYPA’s commitment to maintain them we are now celebrating improvements that address the changing needs of the local community.” 

Work on recreation facilities stemmed from the Power Authority's 10-year review of the 2003 Relicensing Agreement for the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. The New York Power Authority owns and operates the park and funded the renovations.  

Located along a scenic portion of the St. Lawrence River and New York's international border with Canada, Waddington is a popular stop for boaters and serves as an inviting local attraction for visiting tourists. It is also the site of several national fishing tournaments.