Signs of the season are apparent in the region, especially at West-Brook Skating Rink in Biddeford, where people are once again taking to the ice for a game of hockey or some leisurely laps around the frozen surface.
The annual opening of the rink has been a staple in the city for more than 100 years. The rink first opened in 1907.
The future of the rink may be in jeopardy, however, as costly work is needed, and volunteers are relied upon to keep it up and running.
In a recent interview, David Gagnon, president of the West-Brook Skating Rink Association, said while he hopes the rink will remain open for another 100 years, he is concerned. Each year, it gets harder to do the work to get the rink ready for the season. And now, major improvements are needed, he said.
To conduct the improvements ”“ stabilizing the embankment on the side of the rink, repairing a concrete dam and diverting a stream ”“ the city must apply for a permit, required by the state’s Natural Resource Protection Act.
The city’s engineer, Tom Milligan, is working on a permit application for the work, but it is an intensive process. The plan also needs approval from the Biddeford Planning Board, Department of Environmental Protection and several other agencies.
Gagnon said he is hoping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will do the labor. The group takes on such projects for training and completes the labor for free. However, the skating association would still need to supply the materials, at a cost of $100,000 to $200,000. Gagnon said he’s hoping local businesses will contribute.
We would like to see the community ”“ including area businesses ”“ support the project as well.
In addition to being a Biddeford tradition, skating and playing sports like ice hockey at the West-Brook rink are great exercise, and an important part of getting outdoors in the winter months for some activity.
Thousands of people have enjoyed using the rink over the years, and hopefully, thousands more will take the trip in winters to enjoy the ice and one of Maine’s traditional winter pastimes.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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