During the January 22, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Wappinger Town Board, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini, Senior Councilman William H. Beale, Councilwoman Angela Bettina, Councilman Christopher Phillips, and Councilman Al Casella unanimously approved funding to complete Inspiration Field at Robinson Lane Baseball Complex.
Founded in 2005, the Wappinger Challenger League, a subsidiary of Town of Wappinger Little League, Inc., was founded by then 13 year old Bettina Briccetti to serve those in our community with disabilities. The co-ed league provides a platform for them to play baseball on a specially designed field, socialize, and have a reason to smile. Inspiration Field was first opened in 2015, with only its infield surface made of virgin rubber, colored to resemble a grass field with an infield and pitcher’s mound painted in. The outfield was never completed leaving a uneven, unfinished safety concern for players in the program.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds authorized by the Town Board will repair significant cracks in the infield surfacing as well as install the rubber surfacing into the outfield, fully completing the project started in 2005.
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini stated, “Our Challenger League program is one of the many great features of our community that makes Wappinger so special. The completion of the synthetic surfacing at Inspiration Field has been nearly 20 years in the making and I am proud of our commitment in getting this across the finish line. It is so heartwarming to see these athletes out on the field and it is comforting to know that this investment will ensure their safety and happiness for years to come. It is an honor to have worked with Councilman Casella, my colleagues on the Town Board, Bettina Briccetti, and the dedicated volunteers of this program in this historic improvement.”
“It was my honor last night at the Town Board Meeting to approve funding to complete the Challenger League outfield. This has been a long time coming. This is something Supervisor Cavaccini and I have committed to make happen for 2024. I look forward to the completion and the potential for the jubilee tournament in the Summer. I want to thank Bettina Briccetti for her patience and persistence in this matter.” Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella went on to say.
“Today was a good day! I thank Supervisor Cavaccini for always being a supporter of Wappingers Challenger, and I thank the rest of the Town Board for approving the funds for this project! Finishing Inspiration Field will give more people in our community the opportunity to play on a beautiful, accessible, and safe field. It has been a long time coming, and we cannot wait for this dream to finally be a reality!” said Bettina Briccetti, founder of the Wappinger Challenger League.
To register to for the Challenger League program and to learn more please visit www.TOWLL.org
