To the editor:

On behalf of the Saranac Lake Civic Center Board of Directors, I am excited to share with you our vision for the future and the pillars of the strategic plan that will guide us there.

From the earliest days in 1972 when local parents first flooded a field to create an ice surface, dedicated in memory of the Meineker brothers, the Civic Center has always been built on a foundation of community spirit. Over the decades, with the roof erected in the late 1970s, the installation of artificial ice in 1984, and the remarkable transformation completed in 2023, our Civic Center has grown into a modern, welcoming facility.

For more than 50 years, tens of thousands of skaters, families and volunteers have created memories within our walls. Today, as we honor that proud legacy, we also look forward with ambition. Our vision is to see the Civic Center evolve into a premier, fully utilized, year-round facility that delivers on our mission of providing a fun, safe and healthy environment on and off the ice.

This summer, we listened to your hopes and ideas for how the Civic Center can better serve our region.

From that input, we have begun shaping a 5-year strategic plan built on four pillars:

1. Expanding programming — bringing more opportunities for recreation, events, and community use.

2. Growing staff and volunteers — ensuring we have the people power to support new initiatives.

3. Strengthening communication — keeping our community connected and informed about all that’s happening at the Civic Center.

4. Building financial sustainability — securing the future of the Civic Center for generations to come.

In the months ahead, we will share updates as we turn this plan into action. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey — whether through your time, your ideas or your financial support. Together, we can ensure that the Saranac Lake Civic Center remains a vibrant cornerstone of community life now and for future generations.

Victoria Sturgeon

President, Saranac Lake Civic Center Board of Directors