Sweden/Clarkson Community Center
Grand Opening September 2

Tours, meeting the new recreation director, food, fun and games are on the agenda for the grand opening celebration at the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center on September 2, Sweden Supervisor Nat O. (Buddy) Lester said.

"It’s a fun day of events with a community picnic atmosphere," he said. "We are doing this to showcase the facility and to introduce the community to the director."

Recreation Director Jim Nealon wasn’t on board for the original open house which was held to showcase the gymnasium and give residents an idea of what the facility would look like when it was fully operational. "The previous grand opening was mainly for tours," Town of Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball said. "This time we have all the programs in place."

Events begin at 1 p.m. and run until 6 p.m. at the 4927 Lake Road facility. There will be a pie eating contest, hot air balloon rides, pony rides, caricature drawings, a dunking booth, free face painting, a kite demo booth operated by the Hobby House and the Brockport Fire Department will be on hand for a "hose down."

The Sweden/Clarkson Crocodile mascot will also make an appearance, Lester said.

The toddler gym and the open gym will be available for participants to view and use. "The event is open to everyone," Lester said.

Kimball said the Community Center fills a need for the community. "It’s a place that is available when the other facilities aren’t," he said. "The Community Center won’t diminish existing programs … it will build on the ones that are already in place."

Attendees are urged to bring blankets or lawn chairs so they can relax while they listen to live top 40 music performed by No Boundaries. A corn and sausage roast with salt potatoes and soda will be available for $4.50 a plate. Hamburgers will also be available.

"It’s going to be a day filled with a hometown atmosphere," Lester said.