ICE RINK UPDATE

Version Date: May 11, 2026

The Greenport Village Business Improvement District (BID) is providing a clear update on the ongoing efforts to bring back a seasonal ice rink to Mitchell Park, an amenity that has historically served as a vibrant community and visitor attraction during the winter months. Over the past two years, progress on the project has stalled, prompting increased concern about the feasibility of delivering a rink for the 2026–2027 season.

Key Updates:

The BID has formally requested to be included as a designated contact on the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) grant associated with the project, in order to stay informed and support forward movement.

Despite the grant being awarded approximately 22 months ago, there has been limited progress by the Village of Greenport (VOG) in advancing the project. The grant award letter required the submission of initial paperwork within 60 days, along with supporting documentation outlining the project scope and anticipated costs. To date, this required documentation has not been filed since 2024. This presents an opportunity for all parties to re-engage and move the process forward together.

In an effort to proactively move the project forward, the BID issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to qualified rink builders through its corporate entity (DMA), seeking viable and ready-to-execute solutions. These actions were taken to help the VOG and provide viable solutions for the ability to have a professional and suitable ice rink installed by the 2026/2027 season. If the VOG does not promptly move forward to contractual commitment with one of these fabricators by the end of MAY 2026 – there will be no ice rink next winter.

The BID has requested multiple opportunities to present updates and findings at recent Village work sessions; however, these requests have not yet been accommodated. The BID remains eager to collaborate and share its research to support informed decision-making and timely progress.The BID simply wants to work collaboratively on bringing contractors to accomplish the installation.

The Mayor has indicated plans to engage an engineering firm to design the rink and referenced a specific company at a recent BID meeting. At this time, details regarding the firm’s qualifications, scope of work, anticipated costs, and formal approval by the full Village Board have not been shared. Based on BID research, this step may not be necessary, as experienced rink vendors typically include engineering within their comprehensive, turnkey proposals.

Based on industry standards and submitted proposals, the engineering required for installation is minimal and already integrated into vendor packages. Introducing a separate engineering phase will add unnecessary time and cost to the project. The BID’s goal is to help ensure an efficient, cost-effective approach while maintaining quality and safety. Hiring an engineer at a potential cost in excess of $50,000 to spec and design an ice rink which are regularly and normally built multiple times a year by these potential contractors for other municipalities is a waste of time and money.

Since January 2026, the BID has conducted extensive research and distributed an RFP to reputable ice rink builders. The submission deadline is May 15, 2026, and in the interest of fairness and transparency, proposals will be reviewed only after that date. Initial companies contacted include:

  • Precision Ice Rinks (Charlotte, NC)

  • Rocky Rinks Inc. (Dillon, CO)

  • Everything-Ice (Salix, PA)

  • Custom Ice Rinks, Inc. (Burlington, ON)

Urgency & Next Steps:

To ensure the rink can be operational for the 2026–2027 winter season, a contract must be executed by May 31, 2026 with the contractor who will win the bid after reviewing all the submissions. Missing this deadline would likely result in the loss of the upcoming season due to manufacturing, permitting, and installation timelines.The BID remains committed to working collaboratively with Village leadership and all stakeholders to bring this valued seasonal amenity back to Mitchell Park. To support this effort, the BID respectfully requests greater inclusion in communications with DASNY, as well as the opportunity to present updates to the full Village Board and BID membership. With shared coordination and transparency, this project can move forward successfully. This will allow us to also keep our membership updated on any progress moving forward.

About the BID

The Greenport Village Business Improvement District supports local businesses, community initiatives, and economic vitality through strategic programming, partnerships, and placemaking efforts.