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Churchill Rink manager reports steady revenue, outlines preliminary renovation plan
Summary
Rink Manager Bill Page told the Durham Town Council the rink ended the season with a $104,456 net and a $504,978 fund balance, described fee increases and lower ice-hour sales, and presented preliminary site plans and wetlands work as the rink explores phased fundraising and broader multiuse programming for a major renovation.
Rink Manager Bill Page told the Durham Town Council on June 1 that Churchill Rink brought in $417,321 in revenue for the season, had expenses of $321,865 and a net of $104,456, leaving a Rink Fund balance of $504,978.47. He said the rink sold 831 hours of ice time this season for $204,600 and that the rink has raised prime ice-time rates to $305 per 60 minutes for the coming season.
Page described several fee adjustments made this season, including $1 increases for public skate admissions, a $2 increase for Stick & Puck and Pond Hockey, and a $10 family season pass. He said Learn To Skate sessions were popular (two seven-week sessions generated over $21,000) and that concessions sales rose even as some program participation fell. "The new Zamboni was a godsend," Page said, adding his repairs to the cooling tower had paid off.
On facilities, Page said soil scientists have delineated wetlands, and an engineer has layered that work into a site plan showing where a renovated building might sit. He said the project is still in early community-engagement stages: "We are working to get beyond acceptance of the idea with the community before devising how to pay for it," Page said. The plan as discussed would add year-round, multiuse space and relocate Parks and Recreation offices to support more rental opportunities and off-season programming.
Councilors praised Page’s stewardship. Chair Joe Friedman said increased year-round use and expanded space would help make the rink more self-supporting. Councilor Mike Lehrman said the rink’s role is broadening beyond hockey as evidenced by growing public-skate and Learn To Skate participation. Councilor Curtis Register noted the rink’s community events, including Skate to Fill Plates, as evidence of public value beyond dollars.
Page said a major renovation could not be fully funded from the rink’s operating balance alone and will require fundraising and external support. He also noted personal timing: he expects to retire from the town in about four years and said he wants to leave the community a strong facility. The Council encouraged further neighbor outreach and noted a future preliminary review could come back to the Council after local feedback.
The rink report was presented during the Council’s regularly scheduled meeting and followed committee and public reports; no formal vote or funding commitment for renovation was requested at this time.
