The Hilton/Parma community gathered together under sunny skies Wednesday, September 25 to honor Recreation Director Steve Fowler by dedicating Field #4 at the Parma Town Park in his name.
Parma town officials, State Senator Joe Robach, Hilton Central School District officials and other community leaders commended Steve for his 25 years as Recreation Director and his ongoing support, commitment and dedication to the community.
Steve has been a valued partner and facilitator of programs with the Hilton Central School District and for local sports and community organizations. He has always put the needs of residents, young and old, at the forefront of the programs and services provided by his department, town officials said.
During the ceremonies, Parma Supervisor Carm Carmestro said Steve is a man who does not have the word “no” in his vocabulary.
“We should be naming this Fowler Park, not just Fowler Field,” Supervisor Carmestro said.
He commended Steve for his work, particularly in building a relationship with the Hilton Central School District; his involvement with “Make a Difference Day;” and for starting the “Kites in the Park” program.
State Senator Joe Robach said Steve had helped the town obtain over one million dollars in grant funding for the Town Park, which was awarded the prestigious New York Commissioner Award in 1992 and the Outstanding Facility Award from the New York State Recreation and Parks Society in 1999.
“It’s a perfect name for someone who did a perfect job,” Senator Robach said of the dedication of Fowler Field. “He puts his heart and soul into something for all the right reasons.” Robach also noted the field will be utilized for generations to come.
Parma Town Council Member Jim Smith read a proclamation from the Monroe County Legislature designating September 25, 2013 Steve Fowler Day.
Steve thanked everyone for coming to the ceremony. “This all means an awful lot to me,” he said and asked those attending to give him a call next September 25 and wish him a “Happy Steve Fowler Day.”
Steve tells the Suburban News and Hamlin Clarkson Herald that the field was built in 2009 and designed as a softball field by Mike Whelehan of R.M. Landscape – who volunteered his “time and energy.” However, the field is multi-purpose and used by many groups including recreation leagues, travel baseball and two scholastic teams from the school district, Steve says.
The town secured a $250,000 state grant in 2008 with the help of Senator Robach for the field.
The field has many impressive features and was in pristine condition for the dedication ceremonies. It is designed with a special infield surface, Steve explains, and has players benches, a home run fence, infield lights and a “beautiful scoreboard – it’s a perfect field,” he says.
Steve points out that the Parks Department deserves much credit for meticulously maintaining the field.
“It’s a credit to the Parks Department,” he says. “It’s one thing to build it, but when you look at it now, it looks like it was built yesterday.”
Steve says it is an honor to have the field dedicated in his name, particularly, “knowing all the people who worked on it and make the effort to maintain it. It’s a special place.”
Art Cosgrove is the Chairman of the Recreation and Parks Commission. He was on the Commission 25 years ago when Steve was hired.
He calls Steve innovative and creative in the area of recreation and the “father” of the Parma Town Park.
“Steve has always been into relationship building,” Cosgrove says. “He went out of his way to work with the school district and on contractual arrangements for utilizing the gyms. That sort of thing is awfully important.”
Steve has also worked to build relationships with civic organizations, businesses and clubs in the Hilton/Parma community, Cosgrove says. “He has stayed abreast of what other towns are doing in regards to recreation.”
Cosgrove says it would be tough to match someone with Steve’s work ethic and skills. “The man is an extremely valuable member of the town and village community and it’s important to recognize him.”
John Barclay is also a member of the Recreation and Parks Commission, drives for the Senior Center, coordinates the AARP Tax Preparation Program and is active with the American Legion.
He says Steve is always there to help Legion members at the Flag booth during the Apple Fest.
“He’s very supportive and very dedicated to his job,” Barclay says. “Anything that is asked for, Steve steps forward and asks, ‘How can I help, what can I do?’”
Barclay notes that Steve is involved in activities for all ages of the community, from children to Senior Citizens.
“Steve is there umpteen hours over and above his job. The town would be at a loss without him,” he says.
During Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies, Steve is always there to help with the P.A. system and with chairs for older veterans who find it difficult to stand.
“He goes above and beyond what would be expected,” Barclay says.
Barclay also credits Steve with being instrumental in the town obtaining a 14-passenger bus for Seniors through grants. The bus now takes Seniors to the community senior center for lunch.
“Some folks would not get there for the meal without the bus service,” Barclay notes.
Tammy Gouger is President of Hilton Raiders Youth Football & Cheerleading. She works regularly with Steve as the contact for field-related events.
“He’s such a valued partner,” Gouger says of Steve. “He’s always assisted us in meeting the needs of the program. His first priority are the kids and families in the Hilton/Parma community.”
She notes that Steve has always been involved in all aspects of youth sports in Hilton and that he has always been able to work out any scheduling conflicts that have arisen between games and other community events.
“He takes care of both without disrupting the other,” Gouger says. “He handles everything so quickly.”
Gouger says one of Steve’s most endearing traits is his modesty.
“He’s so wonderful and modest,” she says. “We are so happy to honor, recognize and celebrate Steve for the many contributions he has made to the community.”
Ethan Spelman is the president of the Hilton Heat Soccer Club. He has known Steve both personally and professionally since moving to Hilton with his family in 2008.
“I first got to know Steve when my daughter joined T-Ball in the village,” Spelman remembers. “From day one, Steve’s focus has always been on kids and the community. He has always wanted to do what was best for kids.”
Steve is one to remember all the little details and make certain all the bases are covered, Spelman notes.
He remembers a father-daughter dance when he spotted Steve standing with a flashlight directed on the revolving disco ball suspended from the ceiling to make sure the dance floor had that authentic “sparkling” effect.
“In any dealings I’ve had with Steve I’ve thought, ‘This is why I came to Hilton.’” Spelman says.
He calls Steve completely unselfish and always concerned with how decisions impact everyone.
Spelman says the field dedication is a big thing for the Hilton/Parma community and he is glad the field is dedicated to Steve.
“We hope he understands the appreciation that everyone has for him,” Spelman says.
Photographs by Walter Horylev
9/29/13
