The weather has been fine of late for outdoor rinks, but that’s not always the case. The solution? Take indoor technology – i.e. refrigeration – and apply it outside.
![Proponents presented this illustration as their concept for what a facility could look like in Elmira.[Submitted]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/post_rink.jpg)
Coming off the recent opening of a skate park, the Woolwich Recreational Facilities Foundation has its sights set on a multi-use sports pad in Elmira. The facility would feature a system to keep the regulation-size ice surface intact during the ups and downs of the winter months, with ball hockey, basketball and volleyball offered up during the summer.
The group’s David Paisley and Ruby Weber made a pitch to Woolwich council February 3, looking for the township to provide a spot for the project. Discussed Tuesday were possible sites in Lions Park and adjacent to Park Manor Public School.
The sports pad would be enclosed by boards and glass, similar to an indoor arena, Paisley explained. The refrigeration system would stop the ice from melting out when it gets mild during our “unreliable winters.”
Construction costs would be covered by fundraising efforts, similar to the Skate Elmira project, he added, estimating the price tag at $500,000 to $600,000 “for everything I could dream of.”
Right now, the proposal is in its infancy, he noted.
“I want council to be in at the ground level.”
While receptive, councillors appeared apprehensive about operating and maintenance costs once the facility was built and turned over to the township.
“I see dollar signs to operate it,” said Coun. Larry Shantz.
Director of recreation and facilities Karen Makela estimated electricity costs alone at $20,000 a year.
Picking up that thread, Coun. Mark Bauman said that while it’s good to see the community interested in supporting the construction of such projects, once they’re installed the ongoing operating costs, maintenance and even eventual replacement fall to the municipality.
“We have to look at how we’re going to maintain this generosity,” he said.
Makela noted the outdoor rinks in other communities in the township are run by volunteers with the various rec. associations.
In response to a question from Bauman, Paisley said a community association could be formed to oversee the use of the facility, including scheduling so that it’s not simply monopolized by those playing hockey.
Pointing out that there is already a twin-pad arena in Elmira, Shantz asked if the group had considered Breslau as the spot for the rink.
Paisley responded that there has been a demand from the community in Elmira, including potential donors willing to support the project, adding that the foundation would be happy to work with the Breslau community if a similar response occurs there.
He also pointed out that the outdoor facility, unlike an arena, would be more accessible.
As well, use of the rink would be free, said Weber.
“You can’t just walk in there and skate any time,” she said of the Woolwich Memorial Centre.
