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Magnarelli Center and nearby Field to Receive $350K in Upgrades

John Smith/WAER News

The Magnarelli Community Center at McChesney Park is one of the busier recreation facilities in Syracuse that’s utilized by Youth and Seniors on the North Side.  Between the gym and an undeveloped green field next to Grant Middle School, residents will have an opportunity to play more basketball games during the cold weather and a soccer field down the road through a $350,000 grant.  Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli secured the funding and says his office received numerous calls for a soccer field.

“So, we're very happy that we're going to redo that field so it's safe to play on and that people will be able to recreate here and play soccer. As the Mayor (Stephanie Miner) said, it's an international sport from the Italians on. By the way, I remember when we won the world cup.” 

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
The 'young at heart' take in a basketball game following the announcement.

Inside the MagnarelliCenter, the large gymnasium will be split in half with the addition of curtains to create two courts.  The Center is named after the late ArmondMagnarelli who served as the Regional Director of the State Parks and Recreation Department and also hosted an Italian Radio Show.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
A field in the distance adjacent to Grant Middle School will become a soccer field

 

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.