Pair gets okay to build outdoor rink at Scott's Point

Two ambitious young men have been given the green light to build an outdoor rink at Scott's Point.
In committee-of-the-whole Wednesday night (Dec. 17), Mike Hardwick and Alex Bamford told Kincardine council that the community of Scott's Point is a subdivision located on the shores of Lake Huron at the bottom of the 8th Concession, about 15 minutes from Tiverton. It houses about 50 households with more than 30 children ranging in ages.
"With the co-opertaion of a few community members, we would like to build a seasonal outdoor public skating rink for the community," said Hardwick, adding that the 50-foot-by-80-foot rink would be located in the public park for the winter season.
"This rink promotes youth and family physical fitness," he said. "It provides a skating opportunity for youth who do not have the ability to travel to Tiverton; it's a social and cultural opportunity for the close community of Scott's Point; and it resolves the dangerous condition of children currently skating on the frozen lake ice."
Hardwick asked council for permission to build the rink, municipal liability coverage, permission to use the public water supply located in the pump house on the site; and permission to use power for lighting.
He said the community would supply and pay for the building material, at a cost of about $1,000; and volunteers would provide maintenance time and equipment, at a cost of another $1,000.
Bamford and Hardwick would assume full responsibility for organizing and ensuring regular upkeep and maintenance of the ice rink.
"I think this is good idea," said councillor Randy Roppel.
Hardwick said volunteers will ensure maintenance of the rink once a day, and are willing to take a generator to the site to provide power and lighting if council does not approve use of the supply at the park. Signs will indicate that users skate at the rink at their own risk, and must wear helmets.
"This ice surface will be for skating, not hockey," said Hardwick, adding that if a group wanted to play shinny hockey when the ice was not in use, that would be okay too.
Hardwick and Bamford will also store the material during the summer. "We'll do it all," said Hardwick.
"This is true community at its best," said councillor Maureen Couture. "Staff can advise you about the municipal liability coverage. I think this is tremendous and I commend you both, and the community."
"How fast can we do this?" asked mayor Anne Eadie.
Chief administrative officer Murray Clarke said the group will need some sub-zero temperatures to get the outdoor rink up and running. Municipally, he said staff would be directed to make it happen as soon as possible.
Eadie thanked Hardwick and Bamford for their presentation and their community spirit.