Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads announced the delivery of $270,000 in new funding to the Wantagh School District from Capital Funds through the Community Revitalization Program (CRP).
The money will be used for the installation of lighting and other related equipment for the James Lodato Field of Dreams at Forest Lake Elementary School. The baseball field, which was completed in 2021, was named after seven-year-old James Lodato who lost his battle with cancer in 2018 and had been a student at the school.
“I remember attending the dedication ceremony for this beautiful ballfield in April of 2021 that was named in honor of James, a special child who loved the game and who’s spirit will live on for generations to come” Legislator Rhoads said. “I am pleased to be able to obtain these funds that will further enhance the use of the ballfield so that it will continue to be enjoyed by the youngsters from the community who are fortunate to play on it.”
Wantagh Little League President Joe Corbo stated, “On behalf of the Wantagh Little League family we would like to thank Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads for his tireless effort in securing a $270,000 grant that will be used towards the addition of field lighting at the James Lodato Field of Dreams! Steve Rhoads has been a tremendous supporter of the Wantagh Little League family for many years. The children of Wantagh will greatly benefit from the project for years to come. Every time a player or coach steps on to the field they will remember James Lodato and his passion and love for the game of baseball. It has been amazing to see the generous support and donations from the entire Wantagh community throughout the construction of the James Lodato Field of Dreams. Young James Lodato will never be forgotten.
“The Wantagh School District would like to thank Nassau County and Legislator Rhoads for their support of our schools by providing this grant for our athletic field at Forest Lake Elementary School. The lights being provided for James Lodato Field will benefit the children in our community by providing greater opportunities to use this wonderful field that was built through the generous donations of the Wantagh community,” said John McNamara, Wantagh School District Superintendent.
Shown in photo, left to right: Ray Whitaker, Executive Director of Wantagh Little League; Bob Grempel, Chief Groundskeeper; Joe Corbo, President of Wantagh Little League; Legislator Rhoads; Matt McCartin, Vice President of Community Affairs and Mel Turner.