ICAN purchases sports complex in Westmoreland

WESTMORELAND, N.Y. — Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) has purchased the former Rising Stars building on Route 233 and will operate its Elevate CNY Sports Complex there.

The facility is available for field rental, sports leagues, skill-building camps, programs, events, and more. ICAN expects activities at the complex to begin this month.

The 60,000-square-foot facility also includes about 23 acres of land with walking trails and the potential for future outdoor programming and opportunities. Inside, the building sports three turf fields equipped to host teams, camps, and leagues including soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, and more. The facility will offer opportunities for all ages from youth-beginner athletes to high-level competitive leagues. Elevate CNY, located just off exit 32 on the state Thruway, has concession facilities, as well as space for private parties along with group recreation and ICAN-created large-scale events.

“Each public-facing project that ICAN undertakes has the opportunity to help reduce the stigma of mental health, opens up doors for collaboration, and welcomes innovation for services and use of space,” Steven Bulger, ICAN CEO and executive director, said in a news release. “The Children’s Museum and Elevate CNY will be projects to watch as we look at the needs of our community and society as a whole through very different lenses. We are very excited to add this new facility to our family.”

ICAN’s supportive-work programs will use the space and its independent-practice association of providers will have opportunities to connect clients with programming. The space will also offer non-traditional programming for youth. ICAN’s Community Education and Training Program is able to integrate offerings such as leadership academies and training for coaches and teams. The agency plans to create opportunities for underserved groups in the community to have access to space, fields, and skill building, as well as focus on overall physical wellness for additional populations.

Agency officials believe Elevate CNY can act as an outreach center for access and awareness to mental-health services.

Founded in 1997, ICAN is a home and community-based network that provides individualized and non-traditional services and care to individuals and families with social, emotional, mental health, and behavioral challenges. The agency has a staff of 200 care managers, service coordinators, social workers, support specialists, and clinical staff and serves more than 1,900 individuals and families daily. ICAN operates a hub in Herkimer, the new Family Resource Center in Utica, and, coming next year, the Utica Children’s Museum.