Officials plan Kessel Athletic Complex usage meeting

Members of groups who want to use the Kessel Athletic Complex this summer are invited to a meeting later this month to learn about the complex's policies and guidelines.

Bret Butler, Pitt-Bradford's athletic director, and Rich Kahle, facilities and fitness center manager, will lead the meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. March 31 in Room 165 of the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center. The meeting is open to the public.  

Each year, thousands of residents from the surrounding municipalities have used the complex to play baseball, tennis, softball and soccer, including McKean County Legion Baseball League, Bradford Legion Baseball League, Alle-Catt Baseball League, Bradford Youth Soccer, Smethport Youth Soccer, Community Softball and Midget Football.

Additionally, the baseball field and tennis courts are the home facilities for teams from both the university and Bradford Area High School.

From Jan. 1, 2014, to Aug. 30, 2015, nearly 6,000 players used the athletics facilities at the complex during more than 540 games, practices and events.

In 1975, a multi-municipal agreement was created through which the cost to operate the complex would be shared among the City of Bradford, Bradford Township, Foster Township, McKean County and the university. In addition to support from those municipalities, private donors have contributed to the facility, and Pitt-Bradford has invested substantial funds to enhance and expand the complex over the years.

One of the most significant projects came during the 2011-12 academic year when the city and the university, through a state of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, completed a $2.5 million upgrade to the complex, including a new softball field, concession stand, restrooms, and press box.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from area municipalities in the past, and even more grateful to those who continue the support,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford's president. “The collective effort enables thousands of residents throughout our region to participate in recreational activities and thousands more to watch these events at a well-maintained facility.”