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Resident proposes seasonal ice rink at Theo Fawcett Park; drainage and lighting cited as constraints
Summary
A resident proposed an ice-skating rink at Theo Fawcett Park. Commissioners and staff said the park’s drainage, parking and lack of lighting would need engineering review; staff agreed to consult the engineer and report back.
Chris Wargo told the Park Commission on Oct. 16 that he would like to explore installing a seasonal ice-skating rink in Theo Fawcett Park and asked the commission to consult engineers and staff about feasibility.
Wargo said the park’s green space — the area inside the park near the playground — was the likely location and that when the commission previously reviewed the concept, engineers had warned against putting a rink on the new courts because of possible cracking and structural damage. He said drainage is the main constraint: “If you've been there after a rainstorm, I mean, it's like it's like a river down there,” and noted the town plans further drainage work in a forthcoming phase of park renovations.
Commissioners and staff discussed technical and operational issues including drainage, winter parking capacity, lighting for early-evening hours in winter, safety and ongoing maintenance. A staff member suggested consulting the engineer as part of the park’s phase‑2 work and said staff would bring the engineer’s feedback to the proponent. Commissioners suggested the proposers gather a volunteer team to build and maintain the rink if feasible and to begin with a modest installation rather than an elaborate facility.
No formal action was taken; staff and the proponent agreed to pursue an engineering review and to return to the commission with additional information if the engineer’s assessment is positive.
