SEELEY LAKE – The proposal of the community ice rink on the Seeley Lake Elementary fields has generated discussion and a few common concerns in the community. Committee members Scott Eggeman and Gary Swain feel the main goal for the rink would be to provide an opportunity for local youth to learn how to skate and become a community asset during the longest season of the year. They also don’t feel that it excludes any other uses of the SLE fields.
The SLE School board has yet to make a decision on the request. The community is encouraged to submit comments to SLE Business Manager and District Clerk Heather Mincey at hminceysle@blackfoot.net. It will be discussed again at the June 19 board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
A volunteer committee including Eggeman, Swain, Jim McLean, Lee Boman, Mike Lindemer and Scott Newpower have taken on this project and have been working under the non-profit, Seeley Lake ROCKS. The committee proposed the idea to SLE Superintendent Chris Stout several years ago. Swain said Stout thought the SLE fields would be an ideal location for the rink. However, when the proposal changed from a temporary ice rink to a permanent structure, Stout presented the SLE School Board with the decision.
Swain sees the ice rink as a phased project. The first phase would be a temporary open-air rink using low plywood boards and a bladder. They would flood the rink, use a tractor to plow the snow off the ice and use Mike Lindemer’s propane “Dragon” to help maintain the ice sheet.
“Initially it will be kind of rudimentary but let’s get something established and see if we can build on that,” said Swain.
The actual size and location has not been decided. The committee proposed the rink on the eastern side of the SLE fields and most likely in the southeast corner. This is a flat area and allows easy access for students. However, they are willing to work with others who use the fields for sports or classes to accommodate everyone.
Subsequent phases would come as funding is available and with SLE board approval. Upgrades could include a refrigerated concrete slab, roof, sideboards, glass and facilities. They are modeling their effort after the outdoor rinks like in Phillipsburg, Mont. and Salmon, Idaho. Eggeman said Salmon has seen a huge economic boost from their outdoor rink. He added the community facility could also be used in the off season for the Farmer’s Market, 4H activities or other events.
“The hope is that people like this [temporary rink] and we can go from there,” said Swain. “A permanent structure is a whole different animal.”
Eggeman said that children can start learning how to skate as early as age three and skate their entire life.
“It is a long term sport, has a long season and would provide the longest sport and recreation season of all the other organized sports,” said Eggeman who added with a refrigerated slab, the season could be four months. “Because we have that long winter, it fit perfectly from the community and the location. It would really function as a community ice rink.”
In the future Eggeman could see a young hockey program, figure skating, curling and family skates.
“When you think of young families and keeping them in town, it gives another asset and cool thing to have in the community,” said Swain.
Swain feels adding another activity would be a “home run” for the kids and the community during a season that is the longest of the year and often people are cooped up and looking for something to do.
Eggeman hopes the rink would benefit other activities including the ski program. He said the ski trails, currently groomed in the SLE field, could go around the structure.
“If kids want to skate and the parents want to run around and ski, it becomes more of a winter facility or recreation area,” said Eggeman. “To me more use is better.”
Eggeman highlighted that the rink would be self-funded and a free option, at least initially, for the community. They aren’t asking for funding from the school nor would they expect to use the school facility for trash or restrooms - that would be organized by the volunteer committee.
The committee has been working with the Seeley Lake Lions Club who Eggeman said is very excited about the possibility and are willing to help find funding and maintain the ice.
Eggeman wants to assure the community that alcohol would not be sold or permitted on the grounds. The intent is also to keep the rink separate from the Seeley Lake Pond Hockey Tournament.
The committee is asking for help, support and input and wants to make this a community facility. For more information or to get involved with the committee call Swain at 406-499-2966.
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