By Jim Gustafson
Following a recent report from Carson Now about the indefinite closure of the Arlington Square ice skating rink, many community members were upset and others wanted more information. We decided to reach out to Jennifer Budge, Carson City’s Parks and Recreation Director to help explain the details and clear the air of any confusion or rumors that may be circling on social media.
Why no ice rink this year?
The Arlington Square Ice Rink equipment was purchased in 2009. The equipment purchased was used and fortunately, was able to see eight seasons of use. By the end of the 2016/2017 season, it was apparent that the equipment would not suffice for another season, as it was well beyond repair and its useful life. While the ice rink required an average of $77,000 annually in operational costs, which operated at a loss each season, the City was committed to its operation throughout the duration of the equipment’s life cycle.
What would it take to bring it back?
Replacing the equipment would cost approximately $250,000. Parks staff did extensive research into alternative solutions to keep the ice rink operational, such as leasing the equipment or using synthetic ice. These options were ruled out for various reasons such as high costs or poor reviews. This information was presented in public meetings with the Parks and Recreation Commission and Board of Supervisors in early 2017. At these public meetings, replacing the ice rink equipment was not strongly supported in comparison to the significant aging infrastructure needs throughout the City’s parks system. Additional efforts were made throughout April and May of 2017 to seek public opinion on at least four different occasions through various media outlets, and not one comment in opposition to the discontinuation of the ice rink was received.
The operational component of the ice rink was removed from the Department’s budget, since the $250,000 to acquire the capital equipment needs was not available. This was done with the understanding that if additional funding through private donations, grants or sponsorships were secured, the City would re-consider operation of the ice rink, should funds become available. If any business, organization, or citizen is interested in financially supporting the ice rink, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 775-887-2262.
What kind of activities does Carson City Parks and Recreation have planned for the winter instead of the ice rink?
The Parks and Recreation Department does have a variety of activities scheduled this winter for all ages and abilities, from youth programs, to special events, and teen trips. Check out the Winter Activity Guide found at www.carson.org/parksandrec for more information. If there are activities or events you would like to see offered in Carson City, the Parks and Recreation Department is always interested in hearing from the community.
