Loch Sheldrake, NY – Up to $20 million may be bonded to make SUNY Sullivan’s indoor pool and sports arena a reality, thanks to the Sullivan County Legislature.
“We agreed that this proposal is a great chance not just for our college but for the Town of Fallsburg to really stand out in the crowd. We can bring large sporting events and shows to the arena, and the facility will be available for public rental,” pointed out Legislator Joe Perrello, in whose District 7 the college sits. “The Legislature needed to show the State – which is funding half of the project – that we’re serious, and I’m grateful my colleagues feel the same way I do about this opportunity.”
“The college is one of our crown jewels, and we want it to grow brighter in coming years,” stated Legislature Chairman Robert A. Doherty. “That’s why we’ve dedicated millions of dollars to not just this project but their annual budget and a crucial, ongoing rehab of their facilities, including a needed upgrade of their heating and ventilation system. We want them to continue being the incredible resource they have long been to the entire County.”
“SUNY Sullivan has a long and storied history of athletic excellence. This exciting new facility will allow us to offer new sports and expand our current track program,” remarked SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “Additionally, this state-of-the-art facility will be available to Sullivan County school districts for their athletic needs, will be open to residents to provide much-needed access to year-round fitness opportunities, and will be an anchor athletic facility to drive programming and tourism to Sullivan County. We are very excited to move this project forward.”
The aquatic and recreation facility - which is planned to feature a 25-meter-long, 8-lane pool and a 200-meter track oval – is anticipated to cost between $15 and $30 million but may not require any bonding, said County Manager Joshua Potosek.
“We’ll be working with the college and the State to see if we can accomplish this transformative project without borrowing funds,” he explained. “The $20 million bonding resolution legislators passed on August 18 simply gives us the ability to borrow up to that amount if needed.”
The County will soon issue a request for proposals for conceptual renderings.
