UTICA, N.Y. -- In the last few years, Val Bialas in Utica has only opened six times, but this year was different.

"... Probably at least 20 times in the month of March, when we had all the snow," said Utica's Department of Public Works Commissioner David Short.

The sports center is in the hands of the city again. It's operated by members of the Department of Public Works.

"We went anywhere from two to almost 50 people at any given time, so those are pretty good numbers for us, especially the higher numbers," Short said.

It opened Thursdays through Sundays when weather allowed.

"I don't know if it was profitable," Short said. "It's a quality of life issue that we always have here at Val Bialas for the City of Utica. The money that it does bring in goes back into the general fund, and hopefully it makes its way back to the recreation department to continue on our work here for next year."

Whether or not it was profitable, the hope is to open the center again -- but that, of course, depends on the weather.

"My staff does a great job. They really take hold of it. They enjoy doing it, which that makes it easier for everybody if you really enjoy your work, and they do a fantastic job," said Short. "And we get great support from the public. That's what really makes it work. That's why we keep doing what we do."

Short said they're looking into snow-making, sprucing up the chalet and rethinking concessions. He said it'll take a couple of years before they decide on investing more into snow-making.