$4.3 Million Upgrade: New Grippen Park in Endicott to Open in May

A major makeover project at a Broome County park is nearing completion.

Grippen Park, a recreation area located along the Susquehanna River in Endicott, has been closed for several months while construction work was underway.

The building that had housed the park's once-popular skating facility has been renovated. The $4.3 million project also is adding new amenities that should boost the use of the park.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said he expects the park will reopen sometime next month.

During a live interview with WNBF News, Garnar said it likely will be late May when the facility will once again be available for use.

The county executive said the opening date will be "weather-dependent." He said a coating must be applied to the floor of the old skating building before the pickleball courts and track surfaces can be finished. That work can only be accomplished when a certain temperature is maintained.

Garnar said a Grippen Park concert schedule is being finalized. The events will be similar to those held at the county's Otsiningo Park in recent years.

There may be fall festivals held in the park, along with other holiday time events later in the year.

A wiffle ball stadium, flag football field, accessible playground and basketball court are being added to the site.

The park will have a new recreational ice rink that will be available for use during the winter.

Garnar said "we're excited" about the impending opening of Grippen Park following the improvement project.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.