Kendall celebrates one-of-a-kind playground at elementary school

Posted 3 October 2025 at 9:50 am

Site includes climbing tower, a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners and shaded seating areas

Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Central School

KENDALL – It was a special time on Wednesday evening at the Kendall Elementary School when the community celebrated the opening of a new school playground.

This is Kendall’s first community-accessible playground, a one-of-a-kind facility in the Northeast that will serve both students and families for years to come.

This playground is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility.

“Our early vision was to ensure that our students and residents had a space to come and spend time with family and friends right in our community,” said Nick Picardo, the school district superintendent. “I believe this playground will become a central place for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors right here in Kendall.”

The playground was funded as a part of $12,680,000 capital project that was approved in December 2023.

That project was nearly entirely focused on the elementary school. The work included:

An estimated $11,122,076 at the elementary school with site improvements and new paving, and a new playground with age-appropriate equipment. Inside the elementary school, projects include safety and security upgrades to interior doors, entryways, and alarm systems, as well as energy- efficient classroom lighting, corridor enhancements and auditorium upgrades, according to the district.
The project includes $153,089 in work at the junior-senior high school for common area improvements with new flooring and lighting.
In the transportation building, the capitol project includes two bus lifts at a cost of $1,065,278.
A new roof for the Buildings & Grounds facility at a estimated cost of $339,557.

The new playground features cutting-edge structures including the Volo Aire, a multi-level climbing tower with covered slides that is the first of its kind on the East Coast. Other highlights include a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners, and shaded seating areas.

Designed with accessibility at its core, the playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility. Dedicated areas for both younger and older elementary students ensure that children of all ages can play safely and comfortably.

Kendall school officials, including Board of Education President Rachel Fisken with scissors, celebrate the new playground on Wednesday.

This new addition is a major milestone not just for the district, but for the region: a protected design radius has been placed around Kendall, ensuring that no other nearby playgrounds will feature the same exclusive components, the school district stated in a news release.

“In early January 2025, with a completed design in hand, the superintendent received a frantic call from me thanks to a brand-new, never-before-seen structure having just been released to the market,” said Andy Walsh, Genesee Regional Manager of Parkitects. “Under Nick Picardo’s leadership and with the support of the Kendall team, the decision was made to pivot and include the first Volo Aire in New York State. That bold move brought one of the most inclusive and accessible tower structures ever built to the Kendall community.”

Planning for the playground began with a unique focus on student voice and research. A student-led committee worked alongside staff and design experts to test playgrounds across Western New York and cast votes on preferred features—including the curly slide, which won by a landslide during Kendall’s own “Voting Day” in November 2023.

“This vibrant new space is more than just a place to play, it’s a reflection of our community’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to joyful learning,” said Elementary Principal Kevin Watson. “From the first sketch to the final bolt, this playground was designed with our students in mind. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”

Kendall Hall of Fame has two new members

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 October 2025 at 9:25 am

Contributed Photo – Kendall High has inducted two new members into the Eagles Athletic Gall of Fame – Elisa Miller, Class of 1996 and Jeff Cole, Class of 2001. Miller was a three sport star in soccer, basketball and softball. She earned All State honors in soccer and was named Kendall’s Female Athlete of the Year her senior year. She went on to earn soccer All American honors at both Monroe Community College and Roberts Wesleyan. She has continued to serve Kendall athletes by serving as President of the Sports Boosters. Cole was a three sport star in soccer, basketball and baseball. He earned All State honors in soccer and was named to the sectional basketball All Tournament team. He now serves the community as a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 unit.

Courthouse dome goes purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2025 at 8:41 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is shown Thursday night lighted up in purple this month in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

County legislators last week issued a proclamation in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Legislators said that while 90 percent of domestic violence cases go unreported, 265 cases were reported to the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit in 2024, and 165 cases have been reported to the unit from Jan. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2025.

County Legislator Fred Miller last week presented a proclamation to Judianne Gearing, Domestic Violence Supervisor (left), and Kelley Ortiz, Domestic Violence Services Coordinator.

“Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, perpetrated by an intimate partner over another, to establish and maintain power and control,” according to the proclamation from the county. “Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women then auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined.”

The courthouse dome is lighted up in purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Fast start powers Mustangs past Purple Eagles

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:39 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aidan Papaj goes high to score on a header during the Mustangs win at Albion this evening. He is between Medina’s Luke Duffina and Albion’s Adam Burgio.

Exploding for seven unanswered goals in the first half, Medina went on to down host Albion 8-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer game this evening.

Vinny Gray opened the scoring for Medina with a pair of goals, the first off a corner by Aleks Seefeldt and the second on a rebound.

Aidan Papaj then scored three goals, the first on a nifty header, and Caden Kingsbury netted two to round out the Mustangs big first half scoring barrage.

Bryson Ford scored the Mustangs lone second half goal.

Seefeldt had a total of 4 assists and Luke Duffina 2.

Medina is now 6-1 and Albion 1-5-1 in N-O competition.

Medina’s Vinny Gray puts a shot on goal as Albion’s Alakai Colmenero slides to try and stop the shot.

Akron 1, Newfane 0
Akron (4-3) nipped Newfane (3-4-1) on a goal by Luke Piscitelli.

Wilson 14, Roy-Hart 0
Aidan Neumann scored six goals and Trenton Kaminski three to lead defending champion Wilson (7-0) to a 14-0 win over Roy-Hart (0-8).

N-O Girls Soccer
League leading Wilson (8-0) downed runner-up Roy-Hart (5-2-1) 3-0 on goals by Addison Elia, Lilly Gurski and Grace Smith.

Albion (0-4-3) battled to a 0-0 tie in double overtime with Barker/Lyndonville (4-2-3) at Barker.

In the other game, Akron (4-3-1) downed Newfane (2-6) 3-0.

Medina’s Caden Kingsbury works to get the ball from Albion’s Renzo Tomasi.

Kendall boys down Pembroke to go to 13-0

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:12 pm

Kendall improved to 10-0 in the league and 13-0 overall with a 4-1 victory over host Pembroke in a Genesee Region boys soccer game this evening.

Pablo Rosario-Reyes scored three goals and Jonathan Esposito one for the Eagles.

Attica 2, Lyndonville 1
Maddox Smith scored Lyndonville’s goal off an assist from Jesus Reyes in a 2-1 G-R loss at Attica.

Holley 5, Wheatland-Chili 0
Chase Kempa, Cooper Wolf, Avanti Walker, Blake Coleman and Josh Silpoch took turns scoring goals as Holley downed Wheatland-Chili 5-0 to improve to 5-4 in G-R action.

Cam Mosier had two assists as Wolf, Coleman and Gage Yockel each had one.

Barker nips Roy-Hart in N-O field hockey

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 8:06 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Adella Dukes works to advance the ball against Barker’s Hailey Dodge during this afternoon’s field hockey game at Middleport which was won by Barker.

It went to a shootout as Barker earned a 1-0 win over host Roy-Hart in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game this afternoon.

Kaylee Stoll scored the winning goal for Barker which improves to 7-1 as Roy-Hart slips to 3-5.

Medina 7, Kenmore 1
Penelope Schalck scored five goals and Jennelle Stalker and Savannah Jo Thompson one each as Medina rolled to a 7-1 win over Kenmore at Vets Park.

Medina is now 4-4 and Kenmore 3-4 in N-O action.

Wilson 3, Newfane 1
Wilson (3-5) downed rival Newfane (0-7) 3-1 as Taylor Ernest scored two goals and Brynn Lepsch one.

State-wide burn ban in effect through Oct. 15 due to dry conditions, drought

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 8:02 pm

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have issued a state-wide burn ban from today through Oct. 15 due to high fire danger from dry conditions.

The state usually has a burn ban from mid-March until mid-May. But the abnormally dry and drought conditions prompted the temporary burn ban. The ban will be in effect for 14 days and will be revaluated prior to expiration, Hochul said.

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”

The statewide burn ban now in effect prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking, the DEC said.

WHAT’S ALLOWED: Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.

Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.

Orleans County is considered to be in a “High” fire risk level. “All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes,” the DEC said about this level of fire risk. “Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.”

Strong start for Green at Epson title tourney

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 5:20 pm

Off to a strong start, Medina’s Melanie Green fired a 4 under par 68 today in the opening round of the Epson Tour’s Championship Tournament being played at Indian Wells, California.

Green registered five birdies on the day on 3, 4, 9, 10 and 13 and had just one bogey on 5.

When she finished her round Green was tied for 11th four shots back of the leader with a large portion of the field still on the course.

A two time winner on the season, Green entered the tourney as the Epson Tour’s season points leader.

The tourney continues on Friday and will conclude on Sunday.

Legislature recognizes Charlie Ricci for work with new bathrooms at fairgrounds

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 2:35 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presents a commendation to Charlie last week for his volunteer efforts in building new bathrooms at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Robert Batt, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, joins for the presentation.

The Legislature praised Ricci “for the extra effort put forth in the construction and completion of building new bathrooms at the Orleans County Cooperative Extension. Your effort is an excellent example of an everyday citizens getting involved.”

Ricci did most of the site work for the project.

This photo from July 16 shows the new bathrooms under construction just before the start of the fair in late July.

The new bathrooms also had four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There is more space for the users. The bathrooms and showers are now all in one building.

Orleans County now considered in ‘severe drought’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 1:14 pm

This map from the U.S. Drought Monitor posted today shows the “severe drought” conditions in all of Orleans, and parts of Genesee, eastern Niagara, Monroe and Wayne counties.

The persistent lack of rain has pushed Orleans County into a “severe drought.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor today updated the drought conditions around the county. Orleans County since Aug. 14 had been in a “moderate drought.”

But the continued lack of rainfall has the county in severe drought condition.

When that happens, the following impacts generally occur:

Fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms for food
Golf courses conserve water
Producers begin feeding cattle; hay prices are high
Specialty crops are impacted in both yield and fruit size
Trees are brittle and susceptible to insects
Warnings are issued on outdoor burns; air quality is poor
Water quality is poor; groundwater is declining; irrigation ponds are dry; outdoor water restrictions are implemented

The map today from the Drought Monitor shows that 98.90 percent of the state is considered at least “abnormally dry.”

The map shows 41.76 percent of the land mass is considered at least “moderate drought” and 7.84 percent in “severe drought.”

Three months ago only 1.83 percent of state was “abnormally dry.”

Banner honors Kendall’s baseball title team

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:56 am

Contributed Photo – Kendall raised a banner this past week honoring the championship season the Eagles baseball team had this past spring. After capturing the Genesee Region League title with a 12-0 record, the Eagles went on to win the Section V Class C2 championship by downing Genesee Valley-Belfast 6-0. Keeping the momentum, the Eagles went on to win the Section V Class C state qualifier by edging Geneseo 5-4 before bowing to Gowanda 8-1 in the Far West Regional. Eagles players and coaches are shown here with the banner.

Medina expands Medical Overlay District to new hospital parking lot

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:17 am

This map shows where Medina Memorial Hospital plans to put a new parking lot with 56 spaces at 517, 521 and 525 Eagle St. The hospital will demolish a house for a new parking lot.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved a change in the village zoning map, expanding the Medical Overlay District on Eagle Street.

Medina Memorial Hospital will be demolishing a house at 525 Eagle St. and putting in a new parking lot with 56 spaces, which is across from the main entrance of the hospital on Ohio Street. The parking lot also includes 517 and 521 Eagle St.

The project also will include sidewalk improvements to the hospital’s main entrance. The new lot would be on a parcel that is .81 acre. The new lot will ease parking pressure in the main lot next to the hospital that is often congested.

The new parking lot will be for hospital employees, with patients and visitors parking on the other side of the street closer to the hospital. The project is expected to be complete next year.

Lee-Whedon director tells county legislators that library ‘not just a warehouse for books’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:01 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Director Kristine Mostyn last week updated Orleans County legislators on an expansion to the Medina library that will add meeting rooms and a “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. County Legislator Bill Eick is in back.

ALBION – The libraries in Orleans Conty are seeking $1 per person in funding from the Conty Legislature. That has been the request in recent years, but the Legislature has kept libraries at $10,087 since 2011.

The four public libraries in Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina are collectively seeking $40,343. The county’s population was 40,343 in the 2020 Census.

One of the library directors, Kristine Mostyn of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, told legislators that libraries have changed to meet the needs of the community, offering more online service, meeting spaces and programs.

“We’re not just a warehouse for books,” she said.

Lee-Whedon has just started a $5 million construction project that will put a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There would also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

Mostyn said the initial projections on the local tax impact have lessened after Lee-Whedon secured grants and raised $360,000 in donations from the community. Lee-Whedon has set a $500,000 fund-raising goal on the capital campaign.

Library leaders from the other libraries are expected to make a presentation next month to the Legislature, seeking for a funding boost.

The county was giving $29,914 to be shared among the four libraries as recently as 2002, but that dropped to $7,480 in 2003. Since then, the amount was raised to $12,587 in 2007, $13,617 in 2010, and then was cut to $10,087 in 2011. It hasn’t changed since then.