Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the nearly $7 million upgrade project at Saranac Lake Civic Center in Franklin County, New York.
Article continues below
The year-round, not-for-profit recreation and events facility underwent significant interior and exterior improvements, and the completion coincides with the upcoming Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games beginning January 12, and the Center will host the Games' men's and women's curling competitions.
The project was supported by more than $5 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative funds from Empire State Development, through the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.
The nearly $7 million capital project included interior and exterior renovations, as well as energy efficiency, fire and safety improvements.
Rink improvements ensured that the ice surface meets world class competition standards.
Additional upgrades to kitchen, locker room facilities and spectator seating offer a better athlete and visitor experience, and better position Saranac Lake to attract future events, enhancing the regional sports competition infrastructure.
The project coincides with the North Country Regional Economic Development Council's strategy of strengthening the region's global sports brand by attracting international sporting events that would stimulate private investment and job growth and catalyze the renovation of the area's sports and hospitality facilities.
Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games are an 11-day multi-winter sports event and educational festival, happening January 12-22 in communities throughout the North Country.
Nearly 1,500 athletes from more than 540 universities and 46 countries will participate in 12 winter sports and 86 medal events.
Competitions include Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle and freeski, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping, snowboarding and speed skating.
The Games will also attract thousands of winter sports fans to Saranac Lake and Lake Placid as well as the surrounding communities, including Canton, North Creek, Potsdam, and Wilmington. ■