Tonawanda, NY (WBEN) - A community project in the Town of Tonawanda is rapidly progressing before the eyes of thousands as they drive by the transformation from what was once a pool to what will be a multi-use facility, including an indoor ice rink along the I-290.
In an announcement Tuesday, Paddock Chevrolet secured the naming rights for the new Brighton Park project, which includes a new rink and playing surfaces.
Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger is excited about the project, telling WBEN, "There's going to be nothing like it in Western New York."
The ice rink will seat more than 600 and will operate year round. The facility also includes a regulation rugby pitch, four lighted pickle ball courts, a picnic grove, and three beach volleyball courts. The park is also home to several baseball diamonds, an outdoor golf driving range, and batting cages.
Emminger says the ice rink will be completed first, set for March of 2024. "They're working on the splash park now. The splash park will not be open until next summer," explains Emminger. He adds most of the other amenities will open by next summer as well. He says once the new ice arena is up, the old arena will be coming down to make way for the park.
Listen to WBEN NOW!
Brighton Park will be renamed Paddock Chevrolet Park. The Paddock Chevrolet name will also be on the new ice arena and spray park, rugby pitch, pickle ball courts, picnic grove, and beach volleyball courts. Paddock Chevrolet will continue to maintain naming rights to the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome.
Duane R. Paddock, president and CEO of Paddock Chevrolet, Inc., said, “First and foremost, Paddock Chevrolet is thrilled to be apart in the unveiling of this new transformation with the Town of Tonawanda, as we proudly announce the naming rights to the Paddock Chevrolet Park. As we look back on our partnership and my personal history with the town in the last 60 years, it is with great honor and pride that we will continue to align ourselves with the vision and future of the Paddock Chevrolet Park, the Town of Tonawanda community, and the greater people of Western New York. Today recognizes the history but marks the beginning as we embark on this new, exciting opportunity for current and future generations.”
Paddock Chevrolet has agreed to pay nearly $3 million over the next 20 years for the naming rights.