MINER, VALESKY, MAGNARELLI REOPEN MEACHEM ICE RINK After Four Months of Work, Construction of an Ice Mat Was Completed In Time For Hockey Season to Begin SYRACUSE, N.Y. The Meachem Ice Rink formally reopened on October 8 following 4 months of reconstruction. Those on hand for the re-opening ceremonies were Mayor Stephanie A. Miner, Senator David J. Valesky and Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli. The construction work was made possible by state funding. As part of their announcement, the leaders took part in a puck drop to open the inaugural practice of the Onondaga Thunder on the new ice. Meachem Rink provides a home to two youth hockey leagues, the Corcoran High School team, and over 24,000 skaters each year, said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner. Reopening this rink provides an important service to the residents of the City of Syracuse. It was made possible by the effort of our state delegation securing the funds and the hard work of our Parks Department and engineering staff who made this happen both on time and on budget. Mayor Miner drops the puck for the first face off "This project was important to so many kids and families who use the ice rink, and I am happy to have been able to direct state funds to complete it. Meachem is a true asset, and a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together to solve a problem," said Senator David J. Valesky. Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli said, I commend the Mayor and the Department of Parks and Rec for turning this project around as fast as they did. Hockey is an important part of the quality of life for many residents of the Valley, as well as the other youth leagues who play at Meachem. Pictured left to right: Senator Dave Valesky, Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Mayor Stephanie Miner
Working together with my colleague Senator Valesky, it shows that teamwork is what it took off the ice, as well as, on the ice to achieve our goal! Congratulations to the Parks Department and other City employees for getting this project completed on schedule, said Third District Common Councilor Bob Dougherty. The real winners are the kids and adults who use the rink. Thanks also to Senator Dave Valesky and Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli for securing the necessary funds. Parks Commissioner Muhammad and Deputy Commissioner Walsh watch a faceoff between two players Earlier this year, Meachem Ice Rink was shuttered as a result of mechanical problems, including pipe corrosion, with its cooling system. In June, it was announced that Senator Valesky had secured $350,000 and Assemblyman Magnarelli secured $115,000 in New York State capital funds for the repair of the rink. Since then, a new ice mat was installed and the rink will now open for hockey season. Meachem rink was opened in 1973 on a site where Valley neighbors had erected a makeshift ice rink. The facility is home to Valley Youth Hockey and the Onondaga Thunder youth hockey teams, the Syracuse Learn to Skate program, and the Corcoran High School hockey team. It is the most used skating rink in the City of Syracuse.
GET YOUR PINK ON Enjoy the last few weeks of autumn by taking part in a walk or run. Clinton Square once again hosts the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 19th. More than 5,000 people are expected to take part in this annual event, which winds its way through downtown Syracuse. A great way to get some fresh air, see the new construction around downtown, and take part in a great cause. For more information on the walk and how to take part, visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org. EASTWOOD RUN The final event of the Syrathon Run series will be the Eastwood Park-to-Park Autumn Run, slated for Oct. 26, and hosted by the Eastwood Neighborhood Association (ENA). Runners start near Sunnycrest Park, continue through picturesque Shotwell Park, the recently renovated Martineau Park, and the Eastwood Heights Park, the home of Spadafora Athletic fields and Mazella Basketball courts, renovated by Eastwood Neighborhood Association. Then runners will go through Huntington Park, home to the new East Woods Skate Plaza, a long-term project of ENA, before sprinting into lower Sunnycrest Park, ending the race near the wooded golf course. For more information, visit http://eastwoodrun.com COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING November 8 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM *Registration at 9:00 AM Be a part of the transformation at Rose Hill Cemetery and dig into you neighborhood and plant a tree in the Northside! Meet at Rose Hill Cemetery (intersection of Lodi & Douglas Streets). All ages are welcome and lunch will be provided for volunteers. Please dress appropriately for the weather. You can also register online at http://www.extendonondaga.org/ events-10/community-tree-planting/ or call Kim Zhang at 315-424-9485 ext. 228 EASTWOOD ROTARY DONATION The Eastwood Rotary Club recently made a generous donation of $2,772.00 for a drinking fountain to be placed at the East Woods Skate Plaza. Pictured left to right: Commissioner Baye Muhammad, Bruce Wakker, Glen Lewis
In partnership with the Northeast Community Center, several weeks of clinics and practices are followed by game play. All registered players will be placed on a team with a Coach. Practices and Games are played at the Magnarelli Recreation Center at McChesney Park (Grant Blvd at Pond Street). League Coordinator: Dave Bardenett / Jesse Brantley Info: jbrantley@syrgov.net; 473-2673 Ages: 7-12 Fee: $10 per player for all divisions, checks payable to "Northeast Community Center" Registration Nights : Wednesday and Thursday, October 29 and 30 at the Parks Office (412 Spencer Street, 13204). 5:00pm - 7:00pm. After October 30, you can mail or drop off form with payment to the Syracuse Parks Department (412 Spencer Street, Syracuse NY 13204) The deadline for registering is Thursday November 6, if spots are still available. All registered participants in age group divisions are assigned to teams with a coach. Players will be called with their first scheduled practice time. A league schedule will then be distributed. Divisions / Schedules 7-8 Year Magnarelli Center Thursday evening instructional program. Practice/ 9-10 Year Old 11-12 Year Old Magnarelli Center Magnarelli Center Saturday morning program (9:15/10:30/11:45am). November 8 - February 14. (No program Nov.29, Dec 26) Friday evening program (5pm/6pm/7pm). November 7 - February 13. (no practice Nov.28, Dec 27) Volunteer Coaches, Referees, Scorekeepers needed! E-mail Jbrantley@syrgov.net for info
The City Parks Department s All-Star Band has some openings for talented young musicians. The band is a 17-piece jazz ensemble that performs throughout the holiday season as well as seven weeks in the summer. The members get paid for both rehearsals (which are one night a week) and the gigs. For more information and/or to schedule an audition, contact Mary Beth Roach at 473-4330 or mroach@syrgov.net.