Once again, Sunnycrest Ice Rink is open for the skating season — but this year the rink boasts more than $1 million in improvements. The upgrades were unveiled Friday Oct. 29, and include a new rink floor and refrigeration system, energy efficient lighting and a fresh coat of paint for the walls, benches, locker rooms and restrooms. The improvements were funded through the city of Syracuse, federal stimulus funds and a grant secured by Assemblyman William Magnarelli. The rink is utilized by nearly 20,000 people annually and opened to the public for skating on Nov. 1. General admission costs $2; children age 12 and under and seniors over age 55 can skate for $1. Skate rentals are available for $3. Sunnycrest is one of three public ice skating facilities operated by the city of Syracuse, including Clinton Square and Meachem ice rinks. Local officials also unveiled major renovations at Meachem in October, when Mayor Stephanie Miner dropped the puck for the start of the 2010-11 Valley Hockey season. Find information on hours of operation for open skating and special programs at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs web site or call 473-4696.