District & Town Partner to Address Traffic Challenges on Parker/Parkhurst

The Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District and the Town of Tonawanda have announced a new partnership to improve traffic flow and safety near Adams Field on Parker Boulevard and the Franklin Elementary/Middle School Complex on Parkhurst Boulevard.

Until now, most spectators used the Parker Boulevard entrance to the field and parked along the street, which resulted in significant traffic congestion and challenges for neighbors. Meanwhile, the parking lot behind the Franklin Complex, which is in close proximity to two other entrances, would often be empty. Through this partnership, the district is closing the Parker Boulevard entrance to the field and spectators will be directed to park behind Franklin where two new lighted concrete pathways will be developed leading to the north and south rear entrances.

In exchange, the Town of Tonawanda will assist the district in solving longstanding traffic challenges during arrival and dismissal at the Franklin Complex. Until now, all vehicles had to turn off of and exit onto Parkhurst Boulevard during arrival and dismissal, which created traffic and safety concerns. To address this, the town is allowing the district to build a short exit road connecting the Franklin parking lot to the road that runs through Lincoln Park. This will allow vehicles to make a right turn into the park and then exit onto Parker Boulevard, easing congestion and improving safety during these busy times of the day.

New spectator information can be found on the Athletics website.

“This is exactly the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that happens when a school district and a municipality share the same goals: better traffic flow, safer streets for all, and a stronger community, achieved by the town and district choosing to work together,” said Superintendent Sabatino Cimato. “Over and over again, year after year, we continue to show that we are going to solve problems together instead of separately. That's the Ken-Ton way, and it's exactly the kind of partnership our students and families deserve.”

“As Erie County District Attorney, I learned the importance of working with my partners in government,” said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor John Flynn. “One of my goals as Supervisor is similar: work to attract young families into Kenmore and Tonawanda. Partnering with Superintendent Cimato and the Ken-Ton School District furthers that goal.”

The announcement comes after the district unveiled the details of an upcoming capital project vote planned for December to achieve its vision for the future. The district plans to leverage significant New York State building aid and time new capital borrowing to coincide with the retirement of existing debt, minimizing the impact on local taxpayers. Planned improvements fall into three categories: expanding instructional and enrichment opportunities, strengthening health and safety, and investing in and recreation facilities to benefit the entire community.

“We already have programming that is unmatched in all of Western New York, and staff that is the best of the best. With that foundation, we are moving forward with a simple formula: a structure that maximizes student success and investments that enhance our community, for everyone who lives here,” Cimato said. “This is a turning point and more is coming. Our best and most exciting days are ahead.”

Additional details on the December 2026 capital project vote, including scope, cost, and voting information, will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.