It’s a five-year project for the new Division I program SYRACUSE — Le Moyne College says it plans to renovate and expand its Thomas J. Niland Jr. Athletic Complex in a $45 million project spanning five years. The college also notes that it will use $12 million in state funding to help pay for the […]
It’s a five-year project for the new Division I program
SYRACUSE — Le Moyne College says it plans to renovate and expand its Thomas J. Niland Jr. Athletic Complex in a $45 million project spanning five years. The college also notes that it will use $12 million in state funding to help pay for the project. The planned expansion comes as the Le Moyne Dolphins just completed their first year in NCAA Division I athletics, as a member of the Northeast Conference, after previously competing in Division II. Colleges and universities often make significant facility upgrades when stepping up in class. Besides improvements to Le Moyne’s existing facilities, the effort will include the addition of a track and field and tennis complex, a team community center including locker rooms and sports-medicine facilities, a strength and conditioning facility for student-athletes, and the addition of a new fitness center. The Vincent B. Ryan, S.J. Pool will also undergo improvements as part of the project, Le Moyne said in its announcement. The college notes that New York Assemblymember Pam Hunter (D–Syracuse) led the effort to secure a two-year, $10 million commitment from the state to “renew and expand” Le Moyne’s athletic facilities, which will be available to the community in addition to Le Moyne’s Division I athletes, students, and employees. Hunter secured $5 million in capital funds this year to design and construct a tennis and track and field facility with another $5 million to follow in 2025 to renovate the Recreation Center and other public-facing facilities, Le Moyne said. In addition, New York State Senator John Mannion (D–Syracuse) secured $2 million for the project. Le Moyne is likely to use that funding to renovate the pool and supporting facilities, as well as other facilities that could be used by the public, per the announcement. “As a neighbor of Le Moyne College, Pam Hunter understands the recreational desert that exists in the neighborhoods surrounding our campus,” Le Moyne President Linda LeMura said in the school’s announcement. “John Mannion has been an advocate for the vital role educational institutions play in supporting communities. We are extraordinarily grateful to both Pam and John for this funding, which follows the recent commitments Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and the Common Council have made to improving the Salt Springs neighborhood.” LeMura also said that Le Moyne is raising private and corporate funds to complete the $45 million project. Hunter recognized other members of the Syracuse delegation for its support of this project including Assemblymembers Al Stirpe (D–Cicero) and Bill Magnarelli (D–Syracuse), and New York State Senator Rachel May (D–Syracuse) in addition to Mannion. Hunter also expressed her gratitude to Speaker of the Assembly Carl Heastie, whose support for this project allowed it to move forward. The Le Moyne pool is currently used by a number of outside groups, including high schools, the Syracuse Chargers Swim Club, and others. Once the facilities are renovated and completed, the college will be offering free summer sports camps and other educational programs to neighborhood groups. A number of entities have already indicated interest in using the new and upgraded facilities, including residents of Springfield Gardens and Swiss Village, Tillie’s Touch, Clear Path for Veterans, On Point for College, the North Side Learning Center, Elmcrest Children’s Center, as well as participants of Le Moyne’s ERIE21 program, the school said.