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Volunteer-led sled-building program and temporary outdoor rinks proposed for city parks
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Summary
A parks employee and volunteers proposed a no-cost pilot for sled-building workshops and two volunteer-run outdoor ice rinks (50x100 ft) at Union Park and Yartrow Park; parks liability coverage and volunteer support were discussed but no formal funding was approved.
A volunteer-led proposal to create a “sled library” and two temporary outdoor ice rinks in Benton Harbor parks was presented to the Economic Development and Parks and Recreation Committee on Oct. 22. The proponent described plans for sled-building workshops and two flood-and-freeze rinks that would cost the city little or nothing in the first year.
The presenter (identified in the meeting as a parks department employee, “Dane”) described two potential rink sites — a flat grassy corner of Union Park and an area at Yartrow Park — and proposed a 50-by-100-foot rink footprint for the pilot year. “The cost for my proposal here is nothing to the city,” the presenter said, noting that volunteers and the fire department would assist with water access for flooding and that he would coordinate volunteer maintenance and programming.
Committee members expressed interest. Commissioner Lauren said the idea would be “something our community would love,” and several commissioners suggested programming for families, seniors and youth. The presenter said the Garden Ice Arena had offered limited programming assistance and rental skates for learn-to-skate events.
Staff told the committee that parks liability insurance would cover the volunteer programming and that the department would add signage explaining rules and expectations. The presenter also described a separate, volunteer-run sled-building program (a “sled library”) in conjunction with community groups; volunteers said the sleds are inexpensive to build and durable, and that fathers’ groups and other community partners would be involved.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the proposals during the meeting. Supporters asked staff to advance the concepts through the usual channels; staff indicated willingness to coordinate volunteers and bring cost estimates for any future city-funded components (such as a liner, which the presenter estimated would cost $5,000–$10,000).
