(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County officially celebrated the grand opening of Grippen Community Park today with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Parks Director Brenda Gowe, joined by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, members of the Broome County Legislature, and community members.
Located at 607 South Grippen Avenue in Endicott, the park now features a fully renovated community building with restrooms, concessions, an indoor track, and pickleball courts for the spring and summer seasons, as well as a recreational ice rink for winter use. Outdoor amenities include a new wiffleball field, basketball court, and rebounding wall.
The enhancements position Grippen Community Park as a year-round destination for residents, with programming that will include summer camps, sports leagues, concerts, movies in the park, festivals, holiday events, and community gatherings.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Bringing Grippen Community Park back to life is a proud achievement for Broome County. Thanks to the dedication of our partners and community, we’ve transformed this space into a vibrant, year-round gathering place that will benefit families and neighbors for generations to come.”
The total project cost was $4.8 million, with $500,000 in funding secured by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.
“Grippen Park has long been a cornerstone of our community and this grand opening marks a new chapter in the community,” said Chairman of the Legislature Dan Reynolds. “We’re proud to invest in spaces that bring families together and enhance the quality of life for residents in Broome County.”
“Growing up just down the road from Grippen Park, it was like a second back yard for me,” said 6th District Legislator Greg Baldwin. “It’s incredible to see it revitalized for a new generation of families to enjoy and remain a staple in our tightknit community.”
“I’m happy to have secured an NYS Assembly grant to help Grippen Community Park spring back to life with so many new activities. Residents are already taking advantage of this year-round recreational destination. Thank you to County Executive Jason Garnar, the Legislature, Parks Department, and all who put so much time and effort into this new community hub,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.
"The grand opening of Grippen Community Park is a proud moment for Endicott,” said Senator Lea Webb. "This space represents our commitment to creating healthy, vibrant communities where families can enjoy the outdoors and neighbors can come together. I’m proud to support this new project, which will serve as a welcoming space for recreation, connection, and community pride for years to come.”
The New York Department of State (DOS) provided over $2.6 million in grant funding from the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for Grippen Park improvements, including the expansion of Chugnut Trail, an accessible playground and improved signage. DOS also awarded a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant to the Village of Endicott to revitalize its downtown area.
“Public gathering spaces like Grippen Community Park are key to a community’s vibrancy and quality of life, providing opportunities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities to socialize, exercise and connect with nature,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosely. “This park provides yet another way to advance Governor Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ campaign to promote physical and mental health. The Department of State is thrilled to be participating in the completion of the park by funding the expansion of Chugnut Trail, yet another piece of this wonderful public amenity that will add to our $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative investment in the Village’s downtown.”
