This week, Dan Panico announced that during the planning board portion of the Town Board meeting in March, there will be a site plan hearing for a proposed new hockey rink at the former Brookhaven campus of Dowling College. Panico explained that the rink is intended to be a multi-use facility, noting that “the plan is for open skate time as well, similar to Hidden Pond Park.” The goal, he said, is to create a modern space that serves both organized sports and the broader community.
The Town of Brookhaven has taken ownership of the property where the athletic fields are located. Although the fields will require extensive repairs and upgrades, they are now under town ownership and will ultimately be improved for the benefit of residents of Brookhaven. The attached images include architectural renderings of the proposed rink, along with a detailed site plan layout.
The overall 104.73-acre site is slated for redevelopment into smaller industrial tenant-style spaces housed within three larger buildings. Of the total acreage, 28 acres will be dedicated to town-owned open space, while approximately 17 acres will be reserved for athletic facilities and the ice hockey rink.
Panico also addressed questions regarding funding for the project, clarifying that “the ice skating rink is being built with private funds, not municipal dollars.” He added that the town is working on a model similar to the rinks at Hidden Pond Park, but with updated amenities, including food and beverage options and designated time for public skating.
By all accounts, this is a project the town is eagerly anticipating, and officials are excited to see it move forward.