Rangeley holds public hearing on Phase 2 of Aquatic Park; lighting, rink size and LWCF restrictions top questions

Rangeley Selectmen on Dec. 15 held a public hearing on Phase 2 of the Aquatic Park improvements, reviewing 60% conceptual plans and asking residents for feedback on lighting, an optional seasonal ice rink, parking and project phasing.

Town Manager Joe and the project engineer presented three rink footprints (small — roughly 40 by 80 feet — medium and full regulation) and lighting options including dark‑sky‑compliant bollard lighting and overhead fixtures with push‑button activation. Joe told the board the park is currently a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) site administered by the National Park Service; "if there is, for instance, an ice rink, that would have to be approved by LWCF," and approved uses are expected to be perpetual unless another agreement is made.

Speakers from the parks commission and residents asked about annual maintenance costs, volunteer versus paid staffing, water sources for flooding an ice surface, ADA access and the disposition of playground and pavilion space if a large rink is installed. One board member raised drainage concerns and urged study of Franklin Street as an alternative rink or parking location, noting saturation and previous drainage problems at other parks.

Staff asked whether the town should package the remaining work into a single final phase to match grant administration and timelines or proceed in separate phases; several residents and commissioners suggested starting conservatively and weighing maintenance and storage needs before committing to a large, regulation‑size rink. The board did not reach a final decision and said it would use citizen feedback to shape a grant application and a possible warrant article for town meeting.

Next steps: staff will refine designs with the engineer, consider ADA and safety checks, and report back as the grant application window approaches (Jamie noted the LWCF application due timing).