Willie Sweeting Gazebo Dedicated at Sweden Town Park

By Caurie Putnam

Today was a beautiful afternoon for the Sweden Community Foundation's dedication of the Willie Sweeting Gazebo at Sweden Town Park on Redman Road.

Mr. Sweeting died in 2018 and was a giant in sports and recreation advocacy and action, especially baseball and softball, in the Brockport area. It was a testament to his legacy how well-attended today's event was by local leaders, community members and family members, including his widow Ann, who now lives in Georgia.

In fitting form, there were several youth baseball games going on at the fields around the gazebo during the dedication. The gazebo was funded by the Sweden Community Foundation and private donations. 

The program from today's dedication had these lovely words to say about Mr. Sweeting:
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"This gazebo is dedicated in memory of Willie Sweeting, lifelong resident and recreation advocate in the Town of Sweden. An outstanding high school athlete at Brockport High School, Willie owned and operated Earl 'n Bill's Fas Station with Earl Siegfreid for twenty years before starting a career at Brockport Central School District where he supervised the transportation mechanics, security staff and grounds and athletic fields. He created and maintained the baseball and softball fields at the school district and was instrumental in the refurbishing of the baseball filed at The College at Brockport. When Nietopski Field was built at the Sweden Town Park, Willie spent much time advising those who were building it. Sweden Community Foundation members believe there was no better friend to the Sweden community than Willie Sweeting."

​Foundation members are Wayne Zyra, Jack Milner, Charlie Militello, Kelly Lewis, Chet Fery, Dan Hogan, Buddy Lester, Michelle Stevens and Michael Myers (who did a wonderful job planning today's event).