ROLLING BACK
New rink surface has skaters smiling
Palmerston North’s skaters have been blessed with a smooth new surface to roll on, and plans are afoot to further improve a longneglected city asset.
Skaters of all ages flocked to Memorial Park on Sunday for an open day at the park’s rink, which recently underwent a $50,000 makeover.
The money, provided by the Palmerston North City Council, paid for the rink to be resealed and drainage upgraded.
Memorial Park Sports Trust Board acting chairperson Sandy Nimmo said the resealing was only the beginning of a list of upgrades.
The kickboards and railing around the edge of the rink were next in line to be replaced, but that would cost about $70,000.
Then there was power to be run for LED lighting, bright enough to illuminate the rink without keeping neighbours up at night, and bluetooth-enabled speakers to be installed for music.
‘‘Today is not the end of it. It’s just the beginning,’’ Nimmo said.
‘‘It won’t be cheap but we’re hoping to find further funding. It’ll be worth it in the long run.’’
Installing the lights would be a throwback to the 1950s for the rink, as that was the last time it was lit, Nimmo said.
The rink was built about that time, but largely left to degrade since then.
‘‘It was in dire need of some TLC,’’ Nimmo said. ‘‘We want to turn this amazing asset into something the public can love.’’
The rise of roller derby and other skating sports meant there was a demand for more skating facilities, she said.
They were aiming to have between 60 and 100 pairs of skates available for hire so anyone could give it a go.
Schools had also been contacted by the trust board, a move designed to get people skating from a young age, Nimmo said.
‘‘We want the broader public here.’’
People wanting to connect with various skating clubs in the city, or donate toward the refurbishment, can find a schedule and contact information at the rink.