$30 Million Indoor Arena and Pool Moves Forward

MONTICELLO – Sullivan County legislators Thursday approved committing $15 million toward a $30 million aquatic and recreation facility at SUNY Sullivan. A 25-meter-long, 8-lane pool and a 200-meter track oval will be centerpieces of the indoor arena.

“This project is all about Sullivan County’s future,” said Legislature Chairman Rob Doherty. “It didn’t escape me that almost all of the valedictorians of our high schools this year were on sports teams – teams that will be able to use this facility, along with the general public and SUNY Sullivan’s students. It’s a demonstration of this Legislature’s commitment to make a significant impact on this County’s health, economy and youth.”

“This will be an amazing facility that is very beneficial not only to the college but the community and the County as a whole,” said District 7 Legislator Joe Perrello, in whose district the college sits. “We plan to build it large enough to host special events, conferences, shows, sports attractions and other public gatherings. It will also be available to rent, generating revenue year-round.”

“The Rappaport administration is pleased that a majority of the Legislature saw the vision in a project like this. We believe this will add a much-needed economic driver to the area,” said Town of Fallsburg Deputy Supervisor Dr. Sean Wall-Carty. “The Town of Fallsburg will be working to support and facilitate commerce as a result of this project. We welcome inquiries from businesspeople by calling 845-434-8810, ext. 5.”

“We are so glad that the County Legislature recognizes the central importance of SUNY Sullivan in the health and future of Sullivan County,” remarked SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “This project will ensure not only increased enrollment moving forward, but provide a much-needed community hub for years to come. Having our students and community be able to access a state-of-the-art facility like this will transform both the college and the County.”

The resolution passed today by the County Legislature requests that New York State, through the SUNY system, contribute the other half of the project’s $30 million cost in the coming years. That application will be made for the 2023 State budget.

District 8 Legislator Ira Steingart voted “no” to the resolution, not because he opposes the project but because he wants to better understand it before giving his assent.
“I love the idea. It’s a great project that promises to transform the County,” Steingart affirmed. “I just want to be more certain of the details before we proceed further.”