SOUTH BUFFALO, N.Y. — Western New York is promoting youth baseball as a South Buffalo park is getting some much-needed TLC.

Okell Park is getting $3.3 million from the state. The money will be going toward a new synthetic turf field, scoreboard improvements, improved baseball fields and other park amenities.

It's been a team effort across the state to get the funding. In 2019, Buffalo Common Councilmember Chris Scanlon secured funds for a topographic and geotechnical survey. Those surveys plus an environmental review were needed before making the official announcement.

"I can't wait for this work to get underway and to see the finished product," said Scanlon "And to be able to see these kids come out here and give it their all on the diamond."

The renovations are welcome news for the South Buffalo Baseball Association which currently has 23 house teams and eight travel teams using the fields.