Hooray Cass Park is Enclosed!
On November 5, supporters of the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign gathered to celebrate the rink’s 50th anniversary and its opening as an enclosed facility. Below the photo gallery is the video link and narrative. A donor recognition plaque has been installed at the rink; view it online here or download a pdf version.
November 5, 2022 video of remarks at supporter reception
Cass Park Ice Rink Celebrates 50 Years and Enclosure Opening
On Saturday, November 5, Cass Park’s 50th anniversary and the enclosure construction completion were publicly celebrated with an ice skating birthday bash. Later that afternoon, the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign supporters gathered to see the updated facility and to be thanked for their generosity.
Video recordings of remarks made at the two events are available on YouTube, and photographs are accessible on the Cass and Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau websites. Public event: https://youtu.be/sbIiyR91lXw Supporter event: https://youtu.be/wbROSMa3pYA
Public:
Jim Dalterio who manages Cass and other IYB facilities welcomed guests at the public event, and introduced Liz Klohmann, director of the IYB. She expressed optimism for the improved conditions enhancing the experiences for users year-round. Previous IYB director and Friends of the IYB (FIYB) founder Allen Green reminisced about the City’s investments to maintain the arena. Mayor Laura Lewis, City Alderpersons Cynthia Brock and George McGonigal, and Ithaca Youth Hockey Association (IYHA) board president TR Wagenet also spoke about the importance of Cass as a hub for community recreation.
The Cass Park Rink opened in November 1972 as an open-air facility, serving residents of Ithaca and surrounding communities. Today, the Rink is a community treasure and a year-round facility for many activities. During the ice season, Cass Park Rink hosts hockey teams with IYHA, Ithaca High School Varsity Hockey teams, Ithaca Adult Hockey Association, Ithaca Sirens and Tompkins Girls Hockey Association. It also offers IYB Learn to Skate programs and public skate sessions. During non-ice seasons, it is home to the Cass Park summer day camp, community roller skating, box lacrosse and other programs.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful resource in our community,” said Klohmann. “It offers so many recreational activities for people of all ages.”
Supporters:
Mary Grainger of the Friends of the IYB who coordinated the Enclose Cass Campaign hosted the event for campaign supporters. She shared about the role FIYB played encouraging community contributions through extravaganza and gala events; appeals to individuals, families and businesses; grant applications; and public awareness of the critical need for arena renovations. A wood plaque in the rink spectator area lists the more than 600 individuals, families, businesses and entities that made the project possible.
Former New York State Assemblymember Barbara Lifton was invited to ceremonially untie an ice skate lace (instead of cutting a ribbon) because state resources were very important to fund the $2.6 million project. Current Assemblymember Anna Kelles read a citation recognizing the 50th anniversary milestone. Lifton herself a hockey mom and a recreational ice skater nominated the project for state funding. She remarked: “The facilty upgrades are wonderful and will ensure that Cass continues to be an important community space for our kids and families for more generations.”
Grainger read a message from NYS Senator Tom O’Mara who helped Cass receive a NYS Regional Economic Development grant. “It's fantastic for the community to be able to kick off the coming season by celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Cass Park, one of Ithaca's most treasured community cornerstones, and to welcome the long-awaited renovation and revitalization of the rink. It will greatly enhance a vital community gathering place.”
Jeff Love, chair of the FIYB board, described the nonprofit’s purpose supporting the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s mission, programs and facilities. He introduced City of Ithaca Common Council Member Ducson Nguyen who thanked for community for partnering with the municipality that owns and operates Cass Park.
Helen Talty of Tompkins Community Bank represented the corporate community that was also central to the campaign. “At Tompkins, our goal is to support projects that benefit our communities in multiple ways - enclosing the facility allows Ithaca to be a more consistent option to host tournaments and events, while providing a valuable resource for our local athletes and the community at large.”
With the Incodema Initiative challenge matching gifts made by businesses, many participated; the rink dasherboards display their logos. There are also displays recognizing gifts in memory of four community members.
Tompkins County Legislator Rich John spoke as a skater and coach, and about the potential for the transformed Cass rink which received a tourism grant from the county. Ithaca City School District Superintendent Luvelle Brown remarked about the world class facility where the school teams now get to practice and play.
Klohmann closed the formal program by expressing appreciation for all of the effort it took from the community and from the city. She described the need for another capital project to complete the modernization including renovation of the rink entrance, lobby, locker rooms, and rest rooms; and the addition of a community meeting space.
Project:
Construction of the long awaited rink enclosure project began in May 2022. Cass is now fully enclosed and features all-electric dehumidification and shelter that meets all current energy and building codes. The changes will improve ice conditions, lengthen the ice skating season, provide a year round community space for events and programming, and greatly enhance the user experience including the addition of new spectator bleachers.
The Cass arena enclosure has been a focus of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, the Engineering division of the Department of Public Works, the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, community members and businesses for more than seven years to raise funds to support the project. The City awarded contracts to Bouley Associates, Inc. from Auburn for general construction; AFT Mechanical, LLC from Elmira for HVAC construction; and Knapp Electric, Inc. from Auburn for electric construction. The City’s architect/engineer on the project is Stantec Consulting Services, LLC from Rochester. Taitem Engineering, PC from Ithaca is the City’s commissioning consultant.
The rink opened in November 1972; the enclosure of the open-air facility is an indispensable piece of a multi-phased plan to update Cass Park to serve the community for another 50 years. The City has already replaced the refrigeration system and concrete slab, replaced and extended the roof, and replaced the lighting and sound system.
The Ithaca Youth Bureau, established in 1948 provides youth development and recreational programs and facilities for the Ithaca and surrounding communities. Cass Park is a 138 acre park that includes the arena, Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, playing fields, picnic pavilions and playgrounds. For more information and updates go to www.casspark.org
Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau was founded as an independent nonprofit in 2010. It promotes positive, engaging opportunities for youth by raising community awareness of and building financial support for the services and programs of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Contact us at friendsiyb@gmail.com or visit friendsiyb.org
Updates on Cass Enclosure Project
August 26, 2022
Cass Park Arena – Rink Enclosure
Long awaited rink enclosure project began in May 2022!
In May we sent all donors to the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign the City of Ithaca press release (pasted below) to communicate to you the very good news about construction!
Some have noticed that there are windows rather than glass walls. There were numerous reasons that the original building design had to be adjusted. In the years since 2016 there have been code changes as well as upgrades for all-electric humidification that will help make operations more efficient and in keeping with the City’s Green New Deal goals.
We will send you at least two more updates in the coming weeks. One will feature the “big check” presentation by the Friends of the IYB to the City of Ithaca; your support added with gifts of other donors totals more than $500,000!
Another message will invite you to a celebration event when construction is complete and the ice season is starting. Stay tuned!
May 28, 2022
The City of Ithaca is pleased to announce that construction on the Cass Park Arena, located at 701 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY has begun this month. The project will fully enclose the rink providing dehumidification and shelter that will improve ice conditions, lengthen the ice skating season, provide a year round community space for events and programming, and greatly enhance the user experience including the addition of new spectator bleachers.
The City has awarded contracts to Bouley Associates, Inc. from Auburn for general construction; AFT Mechanical, LLC from Elmira for HVAC construction; and Knapp Electric, Inc. from Auburn for electric construction. The City’s architect/engineer on the project is Stantec Consulting Services, LLC from Rochester. Taitem Engineering, PC from Ithaca is the City’s commissioning consultant.
The Cass arena enclosure has been a focus of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, the Engineering division of the Department of Public Works, the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, community members and businesses for more than seven years to raise funds to support the project. Funding for this project includes City funds, a New York State Regional Economic Development Council grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, a state grant through former NYS Assembly Member Barbara Lifton’s office, and community fund raising effort led by the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau.
The rink opened in November 1972; the enclosure of the open-air facility is an indispensable piece of a multi-phased plan to update Cass Park to serve the community for another 50 years. To date, the City has already replaced the refrigeration system and concrete slab, replaced and extended the roof, and replaced the lighting and sound system. The enclosure is an important step to modernize the facility; lobby, locker room and rest room renovations are also needed in the future.
The Cass Park Rink is home to Ithaca Youth Hockey Association (IYHA), Ithaca High School Varsity Hockey teams, Ithaca Adult Hockey Association, IYHA and Tompkins Girls Hockey Association regional tournaments, Ithaca Sirens, Youth Bureau skating lessons and public skating, Cass Park Summer Day Camp, roller skating and many more recreational activities enjoyed by the community.
Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis adds, “Cass Park is a hub of community activity and one of Ithaca’s finest treasures that serves people of all ages and abilities. With support from Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, NYS grants and City of Ithaca project funds, we will see the Cass Arena enclosed this year!”
Jim D’Alterio, IYB Deputy Director, says, “The Enclose Cass project, as with any construction, will require some adjustments and flexibility to normal operations but we look forward to a successful pool and summer camp season. Cass Park Day Camp will continue to meet and use a portion of the arena surface for its meetings and daily activities. Summer Roller Skating will be on hold; however, we are looking for an alternate site. Please check our Facebook page and website for updates. Construction is due to be completed in time for the 2022-23 ice season.”
The Ithaca Youth Bureau, established in 1948 provides youth development and recreational programs and facilities for the Ithaca and surrounding communities. Cass Park is a 138 acre park that includes the arena, Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, playing fields, picnic pavilions and playgrounds.
November 3, 2021
The City of Ithaca Common Council approved its 2022 budget on November 3 including $469,000 for the Cass Park enclosure capital project. With these new municipal funds added to previous city allocations; two state grants; county tourism funding; fundraising events; and gifts from community members, businesses and foundations handled by the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau; plans will proceed for construction in 2022.
“This is fantastic news for the entire community! It represents a successful partnership between municipalities and community supporters including those who participated in events such as skatathons aend silent auctions, those who made one or many charitable gifts, and the generous business community,” remarked Mary Grainger, Friends of the IYB vice president and campaign coordinator.
October 20, 2021
City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick has proposed the 2022 capital project budget including $469,200 for Cass Park rink renovations, including enclosing the rink, adding dehumidification and HVAC systems, putting in bleacher seating and installing a fire suppression system. Common Council will be considering the proposals in order to vote on it soon. Construction in 2022 (between summer camp and the ice season) is the goal. This important municipal support is added to the available funds accumulated during the years of the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign from the community and from New York State. Stay tuned for more updates.
September 1, 2020
When the pandemic shutdown occurred in mid-March it was coincidentally when the Cass Park rink season typically concludes anyway. Other Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB) facilities were abruptly closed and by May 1 most of the staff was furloughed and programs suspended. Throughout these uncertain times the Friends of the IYB have continued our role supporting the IYB and its mission. Among the work priorities for the several IYB administrators who continued to worked through the crises has been the Cass Park Arena enclosure project.
Thank you for your patience as I was waiting for a “good time” to update you and all campaign donors on the project. Now that the IYB has been able to restart programming due to generous anonymous supporters, and we all continue to adapt as more guidance and science are known, I am sending this message. I’m available to answer your questions and take your feedback by email, phone, video call, or meeting in an open-air location.
It was late December 2019 when we received the very exciting news about the Regional Economic Development Council’s approval for $523,000 from New York State for the enclosure in addition to the $300,000 nominated by NYS Assembly Member Barbara Lifton. The anticipated construction costs appeared to be covered when added to the total from the many donations from community members, businesses and foundations; revenue from events; and allocations by the City of Ithaca.
In early 2020 the newly hired engineering firm was focused on revising the capital project plans to meet current codes in particular the increased fire suppression system costs, and updating cost estimates since the plans were initially developed before fundraising began. We set $1 million as the campaign goal even though the costs had been forecast in 2015 to be approximately $1.4 million; now more than $1.5 million had been accumulated. However, every year that passed while public and private support was being committed we knew there would be a higher final cost accounting for inflation among other things. Revisions were planned to be made this year by the City as part of the final pre-construction steps.
Total construction estimated costs to complete the project has increased now toward total $2 million. As the 2021 City of Ithaca budget is developed the IYB has requested additional capital project funds because the enclosure project is a very high priority, and the administration continues to process the $823,000 coming from state sources. However, the City’s finances have been severely impacted by COVID-19 implications which will be forcing difficult decisions during the upcoming months. We won't know the budget and construction timing until later this fall.
I am sharing these facts and this timetable with you because you have shown strong interest in enclosing the arena. There was hope that the available funds would be enough of the capital project costs to ensure 2021 construction. There is still optimism for spring 2021 but we must ask you and others to consider an additional gift during 2020. If you could give us an indication whether you could do that before December 30, or by another date in 2021, we can plan to add your support to the total available. Donations can be made online here or using a check mailed to the Friends of the IYB mailbox, PO Box 4198, Ithaca, NY 14852. Indications of future donations can be sent to mmgithaca@aol.com or 607.280.4380, or by mail c/o Friends of the IYB.
Another way to help more funds be available for 2021 construction is to help the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign. Could you please take a look at the listing of supporters found by clicking the yellow box below or here. When you are in touch with individuals, businesses and organizations who have made gifts, please express your appreciation! What individuals, businesses and organizations are missing from the list who you can contact to encourage to contribute, or can you recommend to Mary to contact about support? Do you have other ideas about how to bridge the gap between the revised construction costs and the available funds? Thanks for whatever help you can provide this fall!
Mary Grainger, Campaign Coordinator, Friends of the IYB Board Member
To donate by mail:
Make Checks Payable to FIYB/Cass
Friend of the Ithaca Youth Bureau
PO Box 4198
Ithaca, NY 14852
Community Support Still Needed to Enclose Cass Park Arena
1972 through today: 45+ years of fun, fitness, friendships
Imagine the iconic character and traditional charm of our Cass Park Arena with the many advantages of a beautiful functional enclosure. Scroll down for more reasons to support the Campaign!
It’s time for community at large to be supportive of the capital improvements needed for this facility so access can continue for future generations and for today’s users.
Gifts of all sizes are appreciated for the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign which is a project of the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, an independent nonprofit 501c3 corporation. Gifts are tax deductible.
Pledges of gifts to be paid over three years are welcomed. Click for a multi-year pledge form and here for information about naming opportunities.
Ithaca area businesses were encouraged to become sponsors of the Cass Park Arena Enclosure by the “Incodema Initiative”. Sean Whittaker of Incodema inspired many to support the enclosure project by matching their gifts up to $100,000 (accomplished in 2018). Other incentives continue and include dasher board display advertisements. Learn about "Incodema Initiative."
Cass Park Arena was built when open air style was more typical, but there’s been an evolution and it is now one of very few remaining in upstate New York.
Cass Park Arena is a four-season community resource that needs upgrades to be sustainable and successful.
Examples of what the enclosure will provide include dehumidified “conditioned” air, ventilation, insulation, adaptations for climate change, longer season for ice surface, and improved conditions for spectators and skaters.
After the enclosure is built, there is a vision for a project to improve the lobby and locker rooms.
The City of Ithaca funded the major ceiling and roof renovation in 2016. It was essential work to make the building safe, and is the first step in enclosing the arena. Construction of the full enclosure will be scheduled depending on the level of community support shown.
The goal is to raise $1 million. As of March 2019, it was announced that $800,000 is available when counting gifts from 40 corporate donors and 280 individuals and families, and committed public funding from the City, County and State.
More than $25,000 was raised through the campaign’s two fall 2017 events, Celebrate Cass! 45th Anniversary Party and the Enclose Cass Extravaganza. In addition, over $30,000 was contributed by event sponsors.
Public funding will also be an important part of the capital project. The City of Ithaca Common Council has approved the IYB’s Request for Capital Funding ($100,000). Last spring the IYB was awarded a Tourism Capital Grant ($50,000) from the Tompkins County Tourism Program funded by the local hotel room occupancy tax for initiatives that promote economic development and enhance local quality of life.
For more information, please contact: Mary Grainger 607-280-4380 mmgithaca@aol.com
To donate by mail:
Make Checks Payable to FIYB/Cass
Friend of the Ithaca Youth Bureau
PO Box 4198
Ithaca, NY 14852
Like Cass Park Campaign on Facebook and follow @CampaignforCass on Twitter and Instagram to keep in touch with the capital project and the fund drive!