Celebrate the New and Improved Whalen Softball Field & Courts

Whalen Triple Crown Set to Celebrate Park Improvements with a Day of Free Family Activities

ILION, NY — Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of celebration, play, and community spirit at the Whalen Triple Crown Family Fun Day! This exciting, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Whalen Park (191 East River Street in Ilion) and promises something for everyone.

The event will highlight recent park improvements which include the resurfacing of the basketball courts, addition of benches and a new pickleball court, and improved drainage to the softball fields.  Join us for:

• Friendly Kickball Games – Gather your family, friends, or neighbors for some lighthearted competition with the CVA Softball Team and Coach Bobby Paul.
• All Ages Basketball Hoop Shoot Contest – Take your best shot and win bragging rights, hosted by The Christopher Newtown Memorial Fund with help from Deacon Judd & Jaylon O’Neal
• Pickleball Tutorials on the New Courts – Learn the fastest-growing sport in America on our brand-new pickleball courts, with tutorials from CVA’s Athletic Leadership Council and Coach Jonna Costin
• Music, Activities & Concessions – Enjoy tunes, hands-on activities for all ages, and delicious treats throughout the day, with MC and Voice of CVA Thunder Steve “Doozer” Smith! Bike
• Raffle – Enter to win either a 24” or 20” new mountain bike!
• Ribbon Cutting will be held at 10:15 a.m.

“This event is a celebration of both the improvements to Whalen Park and the incredible community that made them possible,” said Michele Hummel, Executive Director at Next. “We’re excited to invite everyone to enjoy the new amenities and spend quality time outdoors with family and friends.”

Whether you’re looking to try something new, reconnect with neighbors, or just enjoy a beautiful day at the park, the Whalen Triple Crown Family Fun Day is the place to be.
Admission is free, and all are welcome!

Thanks to the power of true collaboration, what once stood as an aging recreational space has been transformed into a safe, welcoming, and vibrant area for athletes, families, and community members of all ages. We’re especially excited to share that Ilion now also has its very first pickleball court!

This project would not have been possible without the collective efforts and generous support of the following partners:

• Herkimer County Government
• The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties
• The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation
• EDF Renewables
• Mohawk Valley Rotary Club
• The Village of Ilion DPW

Every single organization played a critical role in bringing this vision to life, and this revitalized space is a testament to what can be achieved when mission-driven partners work together with shared purpose.

We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring the spirit of collaboration that made it all possible.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Paul Hoffman at (315) 864-0009 or orliz@herkimernext.org.