Senator Helming, Assemblyman Finch Deliver $220,000 for Upgrades to Casey Park Ice Rink in the City of Auburn

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming and Assemblyman Gary Finch today announced that they have secured $220,000 for the City of Auburn to replace the chiller at the Casey Park Ice Rink and add a women’s locker room. The Auburn Community Recreation Board, a nonprofit organization, oversees the operations and maintenance of the facility. As well as serving as a community arena for public indoor skating in the wintertime, the Casey Park Ice Rink is home to hockey teams for high schoolers, youth organizations, adults, and children in the Auburn area. The rink also serves Auburn High School and Cayuga Community College.

“Investing in the quality of life in our community means investing in economic development at the same time because happy, healthy families in turn help local businesses grow and thrive. With this important funding, the City of Auburn will be able to make much-needed upgrades to the Casey Park Ice Rink. Assemblyman Finch and I share a strong commitment to the Auburn community and the local families who enjoy the rink. This project will improve the arena for public ice skating and the local hockey programs and help the city continue to provide activities for citizens of all ages. I thank Mayor Quill, city officials, and board members for their partnership, and I wish them well on the work ahead,” Senator Helming said.

Assemblyman Finch said, “The Casey Park Ice Rink is a hub for hockey lovers and ice skaters. It is one of our recreational centerpieces and a great place for exercise and fun with family and friends. This is a sound investment for Auburn High School and Cayuga Community College. Most importantly, this shows residents who enjoy spending time at the rink that we care about the things they love about our community. I’ll continue working with Senator Helming to deliver state funding that sparks economic development and strengthens community ties. Her leadership is invaluable to our region. I’d also like to thank Mayor Quill, the City, and the Board for their vision and partnership.”

In January, Senator Helming and Assemblyman Finch had the opportunity to tour the Casey Park Ice Rink with officials from the City and the Board as well as representatives and players from the community’s hockey organizations. They learned about the critical role the ice rink and the surrounding park property play in adding to the community’s quality of life through several opportunities for recreational activities and, as a result, the importance of investing in the much-needed upgrades at the ice rink.

Auburn City Mayor Michael Quill said, “The Casey Park Ice Rink has hosted winter sporting and recreational events in Auburn for many decades. These community traditions will be able to continue for years to come thanks to the effort of Senator Helming and Assemblyman Finch. On behalf of the City of Auburn, we thank them for assisting us to preserve this important community asset.”

Auburn Community Recreation Board Member John Socci said, “The Auburn Community Recreation Board would like to express their extreme gratitude to Senator Helming and Assemblyman Finch for their efforts in obtaining funding for a new ice chiller and for renovations of the women’s locker room. This guarantees the public of Central New York access to a quality winter recreational facility. Although there remain some issues to be worked out with the City of Auburn, we are confident moving forward that this facility will be open on time and that all the terms of the agreement will be met.”

The grant has been sent to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.