Twin Rinks construction under way at Eisenhower

Complex could open as soon as this fall

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Development of the Twin Rinks Ice Center has hit full steam at Eisenhower Park, as construction crews are working to build an 80,000-square-foot indoor facility, an outdoor rink and a sports recreational center.

According to Mike Martino, spokesman for the Nassau County Public Works Department, the outdoor rink is expected to be completed and open to the public by this fall. Construction of the rest of the complex will continue into 2014, with a hopeful completion date sometime in January.

The construction is being funded by Twin Rinks at Eisenhower Park LLC, a private company headed by former NHL players and twin brothers Chris and Peter Ferraro. The company was chosen by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano after proposals were solicited last June. The county will receive part of the proceeds generated at the complex.

“Twin Rinks brings private-sector dollars to Eisenhower Park for construction of a world-class facility that serves the public,” Mangano said in a statement. “This public-private partnership is a seed of growth needed to jump-start development at the Hub while creating jobs, entertainment and tourism opportunities for our region.”

In January, Mangano, joined by the Ferraro brothers and the County Legislature’s presiding officer, Norma Gonsalves, broke ground at the site during a news conference. But the construction, which will come at no cost to taxpayers, Mangano said, began only recently.

The work is being done by the Parr Organization, which, according to its website, has developed four industrial parks and built more than 10,000 homes on Long Island. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

According to an environmental notice issued by Nassau County in January, the facility — adjacent to the Nassau County Aquatic Center — will have two ice rinks on its main floor, along with bleachers, locker rooms, a ticket office, a small concession area, a gallery, storage space and restrooms. An upper floor will have offices, a viewing area and a training facility. There are also plans for a third level, or mezzanine.

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