Upgrades to Richard Codey Arena Unveiled
The $2.2 million project to Rink 2 includes a new refrigeration system, boards and bleachers.
Photos
The first upgrades to the second ice rink at Essex County’s Richard Codey Arena since it opened in 1983 were unveiled yesterday.
The ribbon cutting of the $2.2 million project drew county officials and elected representatives into the chilled air of Rink 2 on Monday. The work included modernizing the refrigeration system, repainting the rink, adding a new concrete floor under the ice surface and outside the rink, and replacing new boards and bleachers.
The improvements, said Daniel Salvante, director of the Essex County Department of Parks, “have really put us into the 21st century as far as how we can maintain the ice.”
Salvante added the upgrades, begun in April, could not have come to at a better time. The rink is constantly used by hundreds of ice hockey teams, including recreation leagues, high school and college teams, figure skating clubs, and it is also open for general skating.
Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo said that out-dated equipment was costing the county more than $75,000 in maintenance costs every year. These improvements, he said, needed to be done.
“This is for the public,” said DiVincenzo. “Not only for people from Essex County, but throughout the state who utilize it. ... This facility here completes what we are doing at the two arenas.”
Geri Lynch-Tomich, coach of the Synchroettes ice-skating team, stood with the DiVincenzo as he cut the ribbon on the upgrades. The Synchroettes are on the ice hours every week preparing to participate in the United States Figure Skating Association’s competitions this year.
“We are so proud to call this home because this is one of the most beautiful facilities in the country.”
After the ribbon cutting, it was time to test the ice. The Synchroettes and other figure skaters twirled, whirled and glided on the ice to music as they put on short routines.
Adam Kraemer
10:40 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I like the arena and my famly and I enjoy using it. However, when we live in a county were the citizen pay some of the higest property taxes in the state and nation and were unemployment is high is this the best use of $2.2 million taxpayer dollars?
mark-m
11:28 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
It's a good investment. A great facility like "Cody and the great improvements to the TZB (Woha! Have you been there?) only INCREASE the value of homes. It's what young families (our future) look for.
Schools and Amenities like the Cody Complex. I say go for it!! Plus, there are differing opinions, but this writer likes Cody. I think he has a good heart and understands ALL people must be served; Not just one class. I say if he was Governor instead of what we got a few years back, the the State would be way ahead of where we are now.
Brett Kaiser
1:42 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Adam...usually like your posts...but you are so way off on this one....I'm not personally thrilled with all of the traffic generated by the "Complex", but they make more money now than ever before. People used to complain because they lost money....now it's a HUGE hit...wait till they steel the Reservoir...I just wish as WO Residents the County would offer us a break on everything..for the inconvenience and eveything being done in our town...Golf, Zoo, Rinks, etc...where else in Essex county do people feel safe and have these wonderful things...you couldn't so it anywhere else....I digress
Don't those (Championship, mind you...Eastern and National) Synchro's look GREAT!!! And I taught my daughter to skate so we could go skiing...boy did I get bit in my butt...These kids are good....make sure you get out to see them when they do their program(s)...
http://synchroettes.com/aboutus/competitive-history/
Nez11
1:41 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
My apology... Typo- Gov. Codey.
Congrats on the upgrade of his arena.
Nez11
1:41 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Mark, I have no problem with Gov. Cody..... But he will never be elected state wide as Gov. NEVER!
mark-m
2:31 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
@ Nez11: You are correct. His time has come and gone. But he's still a pretty nice guy.
keith r miller
10:36 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Awesome upgrade job!..One of the finest rinks in the state..by far...
Patriot
8:22 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012
$2.2 million dollars on an upgrade? Are you mad? In this economy? This is nothing but reckless abandon. Absolutely disgusting.......just another method of bankrupting our country and destroying the middle class with Agenda 21 principles. taxpayers do not want our hard earned taxes spent this way. Anyone connected with this should be run out of town and never allowed to hold another position.