Kessel Athletic Complex to be rededicated

Pitt-Bradford will rededicate its Kessel Athletic Complex during the Pennsylvania Little League Championships to be held at the facility next week.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place on the softball field before semi-final games at 3:30 p.m. July 25. The rededication celebrates a $2.68 million renovation that occurred during the summers of 2011 and 2012, resulting in significant improvements to the baseball, soccer and softball fields. The softball field underwent the most significant upgrade and was not available for play until this past spring.

The renovations were made possible by a $2.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant secured by the City of Bradford in conjunction with Pitt-Bradford. The grant resulted from the combined efforts of state Sen. Joseph Scarnati, R-Brockway, and state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint. Both legislators will be present for the rededication.

A cooperative agreement between the City of Bradford and Pitt-Bradford 38 years ago led to the development of the Kessel Athletic Complex. Since that time, Pitt-Bradford sports teams and residents of Bradford and surrounding municipalities have used the field for organized sports and recreation.

Among the local teams that regularly use the complex are Bradford Area High School, McKean County Legion Baseball League, Bradford Legion Baseball League, Alle-Catt Baseball League, Bradford Youth Soccer League, Smethport Soccer League, Community Soccer League and Bradford Midget League Football.

The renovations to the softball field included lighting, dugouts, scoreboard, outfield fencing, press box and bathrooms. The baseball field received a new concession stand, press box and restrooms, as well as disabled-accessible path to the field and safe parking. Locker rooms were added for visiting teams, and Wagner Avenue was paved.

The Panthers played their first season on the new softball field this spring.

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