For Immediate Release s191

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Teresa Ruiz September 8, 2005 973-621-4404 Anthony Puglisi 973-621-2542

ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN ARENA IS RENAMED ESSEX COUNTY RICHARD J. CODEY ARENA AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN County Executive DiVincenzo Recognizes Acting Governor for his 31 Years of Public Service

West Orange, NJ – With a group of bagpipers helping to usher in a new era at Essex County’s completely modernized ice skating facility in West Orange, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. officially renamed South Mountain Arena to the Essex County Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain. DiVincenzo noted that naming the popular recreation destination after Codey was a recognition of his 31 years of public service representing the people of Essex County and New Jersey with dignity and compassion as an Assemblyman, Senator, Senate President and Acting Governor.

“South Mountain Arena is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation that will transform our facility into a recreation destination that goes beyond just ice skating. As we prepare for its reopening, we wanted to name the building after someone who truly embodied the spirit of Putting Essex County First,” said DiVincenzo, referring to the slogan he has used to identify his administration. “For years, Richard Codey has tirelessly represented the people of Essex County and New Jersey. He also has been a staunch advocate for mental health reform and has been on the forefront of many issues that have shaped our lives,” he added. DiVincenzo also pointed out that naming the arena after Codey is fitting because of the governor’s involvement in and support of recreation programs and park improvement projects.

"This arena is a special place where children come to learn values that I was taught – the same values that I teach my children," said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. "To be successful in life, our children need to understand hard work and teamwork, which are taught here nearly every day,” he added.

Richard J. Codey became the youngest State lawmaker ever elected in New Jersey when he joined the New Jersey Assembly in 1973 at the age of 26 and was elected to the State Senate in 1981. He was elected Senate President for the 211th Legislative Session beginning on January 13, 2004, and assumed the office of Acting Governor of New Jersey on November 16, 2004.

He gained his reputation as a hands-on legislator by working undercover at Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital and making surprise visits to Greystone Psychiatric Hospital and boarding homes for the mentally ill, which resulted in upgraded patient care and stronger patients’ rights. Codey also helped shape policy that has impacted the quality of life in New Jersey. He has campaigned for issues involving senior citizens, health care, public safety, education, recreation, and the rights of women, minorities and New Jersey workers, and has supported legislation to prevent unwanted telemarketers from disturbing our private lives, authored legislation to support stem cell research, and supported legislation to regulate firearms and improve gun safety. The ordinance to rename the Arena also states that Codey “has been a fervent advocate for Essex County, its historic Park System and its residents; is a strong believer in providing adequate recreation programs and facilities for our youth, and has remained a devoted ‘family man’ throughout his successful public life.”

The Essex County Corrections Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the start of the ceremony. They were accompanied by members of the Newark Fire Fighter Pipe Band, who performed several selections. Singing the National Anthem was Vanessa Johnson of the Newark Police Department.

The arena opened in 1958 and an addition with a second ice rink was built in 1983. A $10.5 million renovation, the first major improvements in the arena’s history, is currently underway. The project will transform the building into a premiere ice skating facility and make it appropriate for other events, such as concerts, boxing events and carnivals. The project was funded, in part, with grants from the State of New Jersey, the Essex County Open Space Trust Fund and the Casino Reinvestment Development Corporation. This was the first time Essex County received a CRDA grant.

The first phase included building a 10,000-square-foot addition onto the front of the facility to create a new entranceway and house a new pro shop, skate rental area, food concession area, party rooms and administrative offices. Outdoor repairs have been made to the masonry, roof, doors, windows, lighting and HVAC. Inside, existing locker rooms, offices, bathrooms and skate rental area will be reconfigured and renovated to maximize space and increase efficiency. The building also will be made compliant with ADA requirements. Another 3,360-square-foot addition will be attached to the main rink and provide space for new locker rooms and storage.

Future improvements include installing new rubber floor mats, lighting and state-of-the- art scoreboard and sound system.

Created in 1895, the Essex County Park System is the first county park system in the United States and has been expanded to include more than 6,000 acres of land. There are 17 parks, four reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range and miniature golf course.