Workers Installing New Roof, Constructing Fields at Grippen Park

Grippen Park in West Endicott remains closed while major construction work is underway as a $4.3 million improvement project moves forward.

One of the biggest parts of the park makeover involved the replacement of the existing roof over the half-century-old ice skating facility.

The original roof was removed in recent weeks and workers now are installing the new roof.

The ice skating rink was heavily damaged by flood in April 2005. Chemicals from the refrigeration system that was used to make ice spilled after the flooding. That ice-making system was removed as part of the renovation project.

Skating will be possible during the winter when the floor surface will be flooded when it's cold enough for ice to form.

Work on the new roof could be finished this week. Other renovations inside the building already have been completed.

Additional amenities will be constructed at Grippen Park in coming weeks, including five pickleball courts and a basketball court. The project also includes a wiffle ball stadium and a flag football field.

Much of the park upgrade work is expected to be completed during the current construction season.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.