MacGillivray: A WIN WIN Proposal for a New Ice Skating Rink

Submitted by Beth MacGillivray, RTM D7, Legislative & Rules Committee

To date, the appointed User Rink Committee has not been successful moving the renovation of Dorothy Hamill Ice Skating Rink forward…. Many many years of planning and 100’s of 1000’s of dollars later we are basically at square one.  Below is a proposal that does not try to shove a square peg in a round hole!

My recent research uncovered a cost effective and efficient solution that would allow our community to enjoy skating activities during the Dorothy Hamill rink renovation. We do not have to “flip” and blast and blast either. Instead we can keep both the Byram neighborhood and skaters satisfied.

Industrial Frigo Ice, a company with over 50 years of experience in the ice rink industry, offers turnkey temporary ice rink solutions that can be setup on existing sports fields, like the out of season baseball and football fields. (There are other organizations that provide turnkey rinks too). With all the unused winter fields available in Greenwich, this presents a unique opportunity to maintain ice skating services while Dorothy Hamill undergoes its much needed renovation!!!

Key Points to Consider:

1) Cost Effective – The turn-key temporary rink would cost between $250,000 – $400,000 for a 6 month period, including installation and removal. This is significantly less than the millions proposed for a temp rink.

2) NHL standard size – The temporary rink would meet NHL size standards, addressing concerns about the current rink’s substandard ice size.

3) Minimal Disruption – By utilizing fields and facilities in place, like GHS football field, we can take advantage of parking, bleachers, locker rooms, bathrooms and a concession stand if we see fit. Skaters have their rink!

4) Preservation of Green Space- This solution would eliminate the need for the controversial “flip” proposal preserving Strazza Field and addressing concerns raised by local residents.

5) Time-efficient: No blasting saves time, money and disruption and most importantly the temporary rink could be operational quickly. No down time for skaters.

6.) Proven solution – This organization has temp rinks worldwide, especially USA and Canada.

This solution offers a win-win scenario for our community. It provides continuity of ice skating services, addresses immediate needs, and allows more time for thorough planning of the permanent renovated Dorothy Hamill rink, and no flip.

Moreover, it demonstrates fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to multiple community concerns. I urge the RTM to consider this alternative or similar, seriously. It has the potential to save money, preserve green spaces, and keep our community skating while we work towards a new state-of-the-art renovated Dorothy Hamill Rink.