RYE, NY—Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino officiated over the ceremonial reopening on Thursday of the storied Ice Casino at Playland, which was closed after suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy two years ago.
A $4.9-million restoration of the 85-year old Ice Casino known for its distinctive Art Deco architecture, high-vaulted roof with crisscrossing wooden beams, has been completed.
Astorino dropped the ceremonial first puck at center ice between hockey players to officially reopen the Ice Casino. “Our Ice Casino at Playland is like a great athlete,” Astorino says. “When it gets knocked down, it gets up and comes back stronger than ever. Now with our new partner, American Skating Entertainment Centers, joining us, slap shots, double axles, triple toe loops, thrills, spills and lots
The new operator of the Ice Casino, American Skating will invest $640,000 of its money into the building over the next 18 months for capital improvements that will involve refurbishing and modernizing the interior with upgraded floors, and improved lighting, electronics, bathrooms, locker rooms and guest services areas.
"We are honored to play a role in the vision to re-invent Playland,” says Shane Coppola, chairman and CEO of American Skating Entertainment Centers. “American Skating is committed to making Playland a world-class destination for figure skating and hockey programs by providing outstanding customer service, improving operating efficiencies, and making significant investments to upgrade our iconic facility. We are excited to be working with some of the most successful hockey and skating programs in New York.”
Other announcements about the further re-invention of Playland are expected later this fall when a review of current park operations and future opportunities will be completed by Dan Biederman, an internationally recognized leader in urban and public space management, whose accomplishments have included the restoration of Bryant Park in New York City.
The Astorino administration and some members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators are at odds over the future operations at Rye Playland. While Astorino awaits the Biederman report, the County Board met with two finalists for the redevelopment project in September. Earlier this year, the firm the Astorino administration selected for the redevelopment venture walked away from the project.
County Legislator Catherine Parker took a swipe at the Astorino administration's reopening ceremony at the Ice Casino, stating that the project is a year behind schedule, which resulted in the loss of $2 million in revenue during the 2013-2014 season.
“While I'm pleased that residents will finally able to skate once again at the Ice Casino, the reality here is that this project is 365 days late and nearly two million dollars of anticipated revenue short,” says Parker. “I want us to remember what still needs to be done at Playland. Let's show our pride and love for this magnificent county park by honestly dedicating resources and efforts to its repair and upkeep.”
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