The Erie Sports Commission announced today the recipients of its 2026 Facility Matching Funds Grant Program, awarding $75,000 to 12 organizations, including the largest grant in the organization's history to the Denny Lowes Complex in North East.
The successful applicants include: Around the Post, $1,500 for the purchase of a court sweeper; Booker T. Washington Center, $3,000 to support the repair of water-damaged areas of the gym floor, re-coat the entire surface and to reline the court; Critter Path Sporting Clays, $3,000 to enhance the second half of the trail system to host the 2026 PA State Sporting Clays Tournament; Denny Lowes Complex, $35,000 to support the multi-phase renovation; Edinboro McKean VFW, $1,000 for infield redressing at the baseball/softball fields; Erie Rugby, $2,000 for the purchase of rugby posts; FLAG Little League Complex, $5,000 to support construction of new batting cages; Lake Shore BMX, $2,500 to support paving the rear of the starting hill and upgrading facility lighting to LED; Lampe Courtesy Dock, $10,000 to support the purchase of a new courtesy dock with lightning and ADA accessibility; Presque Isle Pickleball, $5,000 to support party room conversion to spectator viewing area; Sinai Sports, $2,000 for the purchase of obstacles, mats and truss components; Westwood Racquet Club, $5,000 to support renovations to the second floor that increase spectator capacity and improve viewing.
“Access to updated, well-maintained facilities is essential for the continued success of sports tourism in Erie County,” said Ben Huggler, interim executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Each of these projects improves a facility that plays an important part in our community, while helping Erie County remain a competitive destination for sports tourism.”
To see the Facility Matching Funds check photos, click here. For more information on the program, click here.