The basketball court at the former elementary school site will be transformed into a downtown ice skating rink this winter.
Haines Borough Public Facilities Director Carlos Jimenez spearheaded the project, which will establish a 59-by-42-foot rudimentary ice rink over the existing basketball court. The rink will be partially enclosed by two-by-fours but left open on the ends to allow for plowing, Jimenez said.
A fire truck will be used to flood the facility and create the ice, and fire personnel will be able to use the experience as training for new volunteers practicing with equipment, he said.
Jimenez put plans for a small rink downtown into motion last winter, but by the time they were approved, it was too late in the season to get a solid rink established. Manager David Sosa signed off on Jimenez’s proposal this week.
“It’s going to be inexpensive, low maintenance and it will provide a spot for residents and visitors to skate in the townsite,” Jimenez said. “I think it’s good to have healthy activities for kids and families downtown.”
The skating rink isn’t intended to replace the rink at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, which is primarily used for hockey.
Haines Hockey board member Daymond Hoffman said the downtown rink will allow different users groups to enjoy winter recreation.
“Haines will have something for every member of the family. Kids can go play hockey and get beat up and parents can skate downtown,” Hoffman said.
Downtown Revitalization Committee member Heather Lende said creating the rink will draw people downtown and hopefully cause them to linger. “You’ll have people going in and out of the library, going in and out of the downtown shops. That’s all part of downtown revitalization, is getting people there,” Lende said.
The rink also should be a plus for the nearby Aspen Hotel under construction,” Lende said. “Having a little recreation out the back door is pretty great.” she said.
Jimenez said he hopes to have the perimeter installed this week or next. Temperatures and weather will determine when ice will go in, he said.
Jimenez said he checked with planning and zoning technician Tracy Cui and Planning Commission chair Rob Goldberg and permits weren’t needed for the project.
Materials will cost about $150, and setting up the perimeter should only take about an hour. After ice is created by putting down multiple layers of water, plowing and maintenance will be needed occasionally but should only take about 10 minutes, Jimenez said.