Shelby business to donate crusher-run stone for new Medina basketball courts
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Representatives of the Village of Medina and Medina Sports Boosters met Wednesday with Tom Biamonte to discuss Shelby Stone’s donation toward new basketball courts at Butts Park in Medina. Seated at left are Biamonte, an owner of Shelby Stone, and Medina Mayor Mike Sidari. Standing are Diana Baker, village trustee; Lisa Christiaansen, treasurer of the Sports Boosters; Melissa Valley, president of the Sports Boosters; and Jess Marciano, village trustee.
MEDINA – Plans to build two new basketball courts in Butts Park got a big boost with the recent announcement that Shelby Stone would donate 518 tons of crusher-run stone toward the project.
Medina has long been overdue for basketball courts, said Medina Sports Boosters’ president Melissa Valley. After a couple of years of working on it, the basketball courts are now a “go.”
“Every town should have them,” Valley said. “Although basketball wasn’t something the village committee had put much thought into, they agreed having courts would be a positive addition to Medina. With the recent help of Shelby Stone’s great donation, we have been able to move forward with the project. Tom Biamonte and Paul Pass, owners of Shelby Stone, are making this wonderful contribution, which has been a major part in finalizing this project.”
Valley initially contacted Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, who was receptive to the idea.
“They will be well used by kids,” Sidari said. “Now they are out in the streets and playing all over the place.”
Shelby Stone’s donation equates to a savings of $9,000, Sidari said.
“We are happy to support our community,” Biamonte said. “Our quarry has been a part of the Western Orleans County area since 1980.”
“We strive to do our best for the community and make Medina a great place to live,” Valley said. “We are never disappointed, as time and time again we see businesses and the community members step up and show they also want the community to thrive. The donation from Shelby Stone is tremendous. Tom has been great to work with. His generosity and eagerness to make this huge contribution was overwhelming and we are incredibly grateful.”
Total cost of the project will be $133,000, of which the village will use $110,000 out of the American Rescue Plan Fund. The town of Shelby recently committed to $10,000 to covering the cost of the basketball hoops and Medina Sports Boosters will also make a financial contribution.
“We are also appreciative of the relentless support the village is providing in seeing this project will come to fruition,” Valley said. “Their dedication to improving Medina is evident, and with these contributions, it shows when we all work together, good things happen.”
Construction is scheduled to get underway in July. American Paving of Clarence will do the site work, with final work completed by Super Seal of Rochester.
“The kids in the community are excited for the courts to come to the village,” Valley said. “I’m so glad we can give them something to look forward to and a place where they are eager to go outside and play. So many life lessons are learned on an athletic field or court, so the community getting behind this is really a great thing.”
