With $12 million in funding from the state of New York, the Thomas J. Niland Jr. Athletic Complex at Le Moyne College is scheduled to undergo a $45 million expansion and renovation over the next five years. In addition to improvements to the existing facilities, plans 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 have improvements made as part of the project.

Assemblymember Pam Hunter (128^th district) 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. She 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. In addition, State Senator John Mannion (50^th district) secured $2 million for the project, which will likely be used specifically to renovate the pool and supporting facilities.

“My commitment to this project was sparked by the ongoing investments Le Moyne has made in this neighborhood by our recent purchase of 20 homes, additions and improvements tocampus facilities, and working with local non-profits, schools, and other groups to share College facilities with those living in the areas surrounding their campus,” said Hunter. “Community access to these upgraded athletic and recreational facilities will be another way Le Moyne serves as a true anchor institution for this neighborhood.”

“I am pleased to provide this funding to Le Moyne knowing the importance of recreational facilities to this community,” said Mannion. “In particular, the renovation of the pool complex will support the State’s emphasis on swimming and will be a community asset.”

“As a neighbor of Le Moyne College, Pam Hunter understands the recreational desert that exists in the neighborhoods surrounding our campus,” said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura. “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 said that the College is raising private and corporate funds to complete the $45 million project.The College pool is currently used by a number of outside groups, including high schools, the Syracuse Chargers 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. In addition, 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.

Hunter recognized other members of the Syracuse delegation for its support of this project including Assemblymen Al Stirpe and Bill Magnarelli, and Senator Rachel May 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.