Proposed skating rink endorsed by Pelham selectmen
PELHAM — An outdoor skating rink on town property still has one main hurdle to clear before it becomes a reality.
The big issue is a nearby leach field that is part of a town septic system, Recreation Director Brian Johnson said. He is checking with the company that maintains the septic system to make sure any water that may leak from the rink would not have a negative impact on the system.
"Otherwise, it would be great for the town," Johnson said.
Selectmen, who like the idea, want the Recreation Department to be responsible for the rink.
They want Johnson to work with Christopher Mader, the resident who proposed building the 50-foot-by-100-foot rink at Lyons Park next to Town Hall.
While Mader and other residents want the outdoor rink to be at Lyons, they have other options, including land behind St. Patrick School on Main Street.
Selectmen Chairman Doug Viger commended the group Tuesday night for its effort.
"I was very impressed by your business plan, and I appreciate all the hard work you did," he said.
"It's volunteers like you that make things like this happen," said Bob Haverty, the board's vice chairman.
Mader first unveiled the idea for the rink last month. Since then the online Pelham Message Board has received more than 4,400 hits in favor of the project .
Selectmen will hold a public hearing Dec. 16 to consider accepting a cash donation and materials to create the ice rink.
A team of 24 volunteers is already involved with the rink, which would be built by a Vermont company and open Jan. 1 if all goes as planned. The $3,000 price tag would be covered through fundraising.
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating money or materials can do so by signing onto the group's Web site at pelhamicegarden.webs.com.
