Huntington Station sports center a hit

Traveling from Hicksville to Huntington Station to celebrate their son's 11th birthday was no big deal for Mike and Helen Russo -- especially after they experienced Station Sports Family Fun Center.

"The place is fantastic," Mike Russo said. "People should come down and check it out. They don't know what they're missing."

That was music to the ears of owner-operator Brad Rosen -- who, along with his father, invested $1.5 million in the Depot Road sports emporium that Huntington Town officials say is a cornerstone in their efforts to revitalize the community.

"I don't think we took a gamble investing in Huntington Station," said Rosen, whose facility features target paintball, miniature golf, Wiffle ball, batting cages and an indoor arcade. "We believe in the community."

The site once was the controversial day laborer hiring center.

Rosen credited the swift progress of his proposal made in January 2011 to the support of town officials, residents and Second Precinct officers.

The facility's arcade opened this past January, with the batting cages and miniature golf following in March.

Rosen said he has 12 staffers, five from Huntington Station.

Town Supervisor Frank Petrone praised the center as a family-oriented business. "We want families to come to the Station," he said. "That's when people who have . . . not used it as their home, start leaving," he added, referring to gang members.

Several families were checking out the facility Tuesday before its grand opening later this spring. Michelle Cosgrove, who lives a few blocks away, brought her daughters Caitlynn, 9, and Isabelle, 11.

"That's what makes it so great," Cosgrove said. "It's much needed for the kids around here. You don't really need a car to get to it, and it's weather-alternative so they can go inside or outside."

Rosen said he is aware of concerns about safety, but points out that the facility has more than 20 security cameras and that he won't tolerate any shenanigans.

"I have had people from across Huntington down here," said Rosen, also treasurer of the Huntington Station Business Improvement District. "And they all say the same thing: 'I was concerned with coming down but now that I'm here and I see how beautiful and safe the place is I can't wait to get back next weekend.' "