AUBURN - The name of a former city department head who dedicated much of his time to recreation will now be on the building he helped establish.
The Auburn City Council unanimously voted Thursday to name the ice skating and recreation facility at Casey Park after Michael Oropallo Jr. During his tenure as the city's recreation director, Oropallo was instrumental in developing the Casey Park complex.
Oropallo passed away in January at the age of 75, and members of his family were present at the council meeting.
After the councilors approved the resolution, Mike Oropallo said his father would be both proud and humbled by the honor.
“He was one of those unsung heroes who never looked for recognition, never looked for credit,” Mike Oropallo said.
Oropallo was a teacher, recreation director and city manager during his time in Auburn. He helped lead the development of the skating rink and he also served as the city's Little League commissioner and president of the Auburn Hockey Club.
Oropallo helped found the CANUS Games in 1976, which for 20 years pitted athletes in Auburn against those from its sister city, Orillia, Ont., Canada,
The city will change the building's name to the Oropallo Recreation Complex and post a plaque to recognize his accomplishments and dedication.
During Thursday's meeting, Mayor Michael Quill presented a bouquet of flowers to the Oropallo family. Quill said the man played the roles of both “star pitcher” and “utility infielder” during his tenure with Auburn.
“His heart was here with the city,” he said.
Councilor William Graney expressed similar sentiments, praising Oropallo's dedication to Casey Park.
“He loved that place. This is a fitting tribute to him,” Graney said.
In other news:
* The city renewed its contract for maintenance and repair of the city-wide radio system with Harris Communication, which was formerly General Electric. The council voted to pay $47,489 annually for the company's services.
* The councilors unanimously voted to reinstate the city's former parking policy. Beginning Nov. 20 and running through March 30, alternate-side parking will be enforced 24 hours a day. The council voted last year for year-round, alternate-side parking but did not renew the policy this year due to enforcement issues.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
Oropallo passed away in January at the age of 75, and members of his family were present at the council meeting.
After the councilors approved the resolution, Mike Oropallo said his father would be both proud and humbled by the honor.
“He was one of those unsung heroes who never looked for recognition, never looked for credit,” Mike Oropallo said.
Oropallo was a teacher, recreation director and city manager during his time in Auburn. He helped lead the development of the skating rink and he also served as the city's Little League commissioner and president of the Auburn Hockey Club.
Oropallo helped found the CANUS Games in 1976, which for 20 years pitted athletes in Auburn against those from its sister city, Orillia, Ont., Canada,
The city will change the building's name to the Oropallo Recreation Complex and post a plaque to recognize his accomplishments and dedication.
During Thursday's meeting, Mayor Michael Quill presented a bouquet of flowers to the Oropallo family. Quill said the man played the roles of both “star pitcher” and “utility infielder” during his tenure with Auburn.
“His heart was here with the city,” he said.
Councilor William Graney expressed similar sentiments, praising Oropallo's dedication to Casey Park.
“He loved that place. This is a fitting tribute to him,” Graney said.
In other news:
* The city renewed its contract for maintenance and repair of the city-wide radio system with Harris Communication, which was formerly General Electric. The council voted to pay $47,489 annually for the company's services.
* The councilors unanimously voted to reinstate the city's former parking policy. Beginning Nov. 20 and running through March 30, alternate-side parking will be enforced 24 hours a day. The council voted last year for year-round, alternate-side parking but did not renew the policy this year due to enforcement issues.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
Citizen
Hot Jobs
Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are 3 comment(s)
gman wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:05 PM:
Thank you Mike Oropallo!!! "
cheeko wrote on Oct 9, 2009 2:45 PM:
beevillerunn wrote on Oct 9, 2009 12:59 PM:
Randy Dautrich "