Interior Sec. Doug Burgum visits NYC sports complex that risked closure until youth sports parents got involved
Share and Follow

Doug Burgum, the Interior Secretary, visited a sports complex in Brooklyn on Thursday. The complex almost lost its ice rinks permanently, but thanks to the efforts of hockey parents who urged the White House to step in, they have now been revived.

The Trump cabinet member even rode the Zamboni at the Aviator Sports & Events Center in Midwood as the athletics hub was buzzing with activity – a far contrast from the gloomier prospect it faced earlier this year.

“Being here and seeing the youth here, the youth hockey players that came out tonight, seeing their gratitude because this place was at risk of being closed down,” Burgum told The Post about what made the event so special. 

“We’re fighting hard, through the National Parks system, to ensure we keep places like this open for youth like this.”

Aviator announced in March that it would be forced to close its complex on Floyd Bennett Field because its lease with the National Parks Service was expiring in April. 

The bad news spurred scores of hockey and ice skating parents into action. 

They put together a binder filled with photos of their kids and then had the youngsters write out their goals before sending it all to the White House and National Park Service.

“We had parents that actually delivered packages to the headquarters of NPS in person,” one mother, Yana Salerno, said. “They drove to DC.”

The grassroots lobbying worked.

The Aviator Hockey and Figure Skating Club revealed late last month it was back in business thanks to working with the park agency and an investment firm, News 12 reported.

“I can’t tell you how happy we are,” Salerno said.

“So for the one week that it closed, all the coaches went to different rinks, you know, and we followed. It’s like an hour and a half every single day to get to each one of those rings. And it was just awful.”

Salerno’s figure skating daughter Michaela said, “I was crying when I heard the news, crying out of happiness.”

The 175,000-square-foot multi-sport facility has faced years of adversity due to COVID-19 closures and the emergency encampment that opened up in 2023 during the Big Apple’s migrant crisis.

The migrant tent city closed in January and the Department of Interior announced in February that the property could not be used as a temporary shelter.

While the ice rinks are reopened and outdoor fields are expected to be used, the gymnastics studios in the building are still closed for now, director of facility Chris Werstine said.

“We’re just so grateful that we have been given the opportunity to operate because now we can continue to run our programs, and have access,” he said. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes

Millions of Americans Face Rising Insurance Costs as Health Subsidies End in 2026

As the clock struck midnight, enhanced tax credits that had significantly lowered…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Tragic Suspected Mountain Lion Encounter Claims Hiker’s Life in Northern Colorado

A tragic incident unfolded in the northern Colorado mountains on Thursday, where…
Blood, bruises and sleepless nights: Trump's defiant health confession as he reveals a jaw-dropping aspirin habit - and his biggest regret

Trump Reveals Health Struggles: Blood, Bruises, and Insomnia Unveiled in Candid Confession

Donald Trump, poised to become the oldest president to serve a second…
University of Alabama student suffers 'severe head injury' while on family vacation in Caribbean

Tragic Turn: University of Alabama Student Faces Severe Head Injury During Caribbean Family Vacation

A student from the University of Alabama endured several skull fractures and…
Jacksonville council's late meeting sees budget debate

Unauthorized Gun Log Discovered in Jacksonville: State Investigation Uncovers Lack of Approval

An inquiry revealed that a manager was responsible for maintaining a record…
Austin, Chicago fire today: 4 kids among 6 hurt in apartment fire in 5600-block of West Adams Street, Chicago Fire Department says

Tragic Austin Apartment Blaze: 4 Children Among 6 Injured in West Adams Street Fire – Chicago Fire Department Reports

In Chicago, a fire erupted in a West Side apartment early Thursday…
Will Smith sued for sexual harassment by violinist Brian King Joseph

Violinist Brian King Joseph Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Will Smith

Violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against Will Smith, accusing…
Cops swarm home of Jill Biden's ex amid probe into his wife's death

Authorities Investigate Home of Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Following Wife’s Death

The distraught daughter of the woman who married Jill Biden’s former husband…