ICAN Open Sports Complex in Westmoreland
ICAN continues to expand their footprint in the Mohawk Valley and today announces they have purchased and will be operating a sports complex in Westmoreland.
The former Rising Stars building on Route 233 will now be powered by ICAN and available for field rental, sports leagues, skill-building camps, programs, events and much more. ICAN’s acquisition of the building will allow this community asset to remain operating for youth sports and recreation for all.
The 60,000 square foot facility includes approximately 23 acres of land with walking trails for potential future outdoor programming and opportunities. Inside the building are three turf fields (two are 85’ x 190’ and the third is 60’ x 100’) which are equipped to host a multitude of teams, camps and leagues including soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey and more. The facility will offer opportunity for all ages and abilities from young beginner athletes to high school, adult and traditional, high level competitive leagues.
The indoor space is imperative for Central New York’s four season climate and there is an increased demand for field time for teams and leagues in our area and beyond. With Elevate CNY’s convenient location right off NYS Thruway exit 32, it opens up opportunity for increased usage. There is also concession, space for private parties and birthday parties.
With ICAN’s expertise as a trusted human services agency focused on mental and behavioral health services, Elevate CNY will also offer additional non-traditional programming for youth at the new facility. ICAN’s Community Education and Training Program is able to integrate “beyond the sports” offerings such as leadership academies and training for coaches and teams, which compliments athletics perfectly. Creating opportunities for underserved groups in the community to have access to quality space, fields and skill building is also a goal for the facility, as well as a focus on overall physical wellness for additional populations.
ICAN’s CEO/Executive Director Steven Bulger shares, “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. 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.”
In addition, ICAN’s supportive work programs for youth will use the space, their Independent Practice Association of providers will have opportunities to connect their clients with programming and it will be available for group recreation and ICAN-created large scale events.
Elevate CNY can act as an outreach center for access and awareness to mental health services. Social engagement and interaction, having the support of coaches and teammates and having a third space to feel safe and stress free all serve as important protective factors in a child’s life. The Elevate CNY project is a platform for ICAN to do that on a large scale for children throughout the region as we collectively heal after one of the most difficult times the world has seen.
The anticipated start of activities and leagues at Elevate CNY is early November, 2022.
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