Glens Falls council hears concerns about rec center testing, chiller pit contamination and hockey season timing

Royce Lawrence, president of the Adirondack Youth Hockey Association, told the Glens Falls Common Council on May 27 that the rec center is the group’s “second home” and warned that maintenance delays could jeopardize the 2025–26 season.

“We are deeply concerned by the reports that the rec center is in need of significant servicing and may not be operational in time for the start of the 25–26 season this October,” Lawrence said, noting AYHA serves more than 700 members and hosts visiting teams that support local businesses.

Councilwoman Parker provided an operational update later in the meeting. She said the city completed environmental testing recommended by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and that “there were no propylene found in any of the test wells that were sited at the rate. There was propylene found inside the chiller pit.”

Parker said the contractor Lavelle had requested the DEC’s permission to remove the chiller-pit equipment so technicians can assess the source and condition of the material identified in the pit. She said the city has engaged specialists recommended for this type of equipment and is ready to proceed when DEC grants approval.

Parker and other council members explicitly cautioned that the extent of repairs, the cost and the timeline are not yet known. “No, because we don't know what's wrong. So you can't get a plan for a fund,” she said when asked whether the city has a funding plan. She added the city is contacting DEC every few days for direction and that the goal is to have repairs completed before hockey season if testing and approvals allow.

Council members and staff described two different glycols in the system: propylene glycol (described in the meeting as nontoxic) and ethylene glycol (toxic). Parker said the tests detected propylene glycol in the building’s chiller pit samples and that there is no confirmed quantity or timeline for when any ethylene glycol might have been introduced. She said the building’s mechanical system has been in place for more than 30 years and that the city is relying on DEC and qualified contractors to determine next steps.

Several council members and residents raised concerns about earlier public messaging. A council member said a prior city statement characterized the fluid as a food additive and that subsequent testing showing a toxic compound was not followed by clear public notification. Parker acknowledged the concern and said the city can only report what is confirmed by testing and DEC guidance.

The council did not take formal action at the May 27 meeting. Members said they will follow up with DEC, make additional tests as authorized and return to the council with repair options and cost estimates once the assessment is complete.

The rec center update was raised during the “old business” portion of the meeting and was tied in public comment to the Adirondack Youth Hockey Association’s request that the facility be operational by October 2025 for the association’s 50th season.