Crown Point rink closed through Jan.

Statewide COVID-19 restrictions cited; city also discusses distribution for vaccine

The Timothy J. Grzych ice rink at Bulldog Park in Crown Point will remain closed for the duration of January for a few reasons, particularly the lack of revenue the rink would bring in due to COVID-19 restrictions in the state, Mayor David Uran said.

At this month’s Tuesday Talks with the Mayor, Uran noted that though the city would like the have the rink open, after taking COVID-19 restrictions into consideration, the amount of people using the rink would not sustain the price it takes to keep it in operation.

“It wasn’t just something we just didn’t want to do, if we didn’t want to do it we wouldn’t put the walls up, we wouldn’t have put the netting up and spent all that time up there,” Uran said. “We were preparing to have the rink open, we were preparing for things like that to take place. As that took place in November, and the numbers dwindled as far as what we were allowed to do, that’s what led us to the decision in January to currently hold it off.”

The city will review the restrictions again at the end of the month to determine whether or not the rink will open in February with limited skating.

“I know it’s disappointing, but as we get to February, we’re hoping that if the restrictions get lifted, the case numbers come down,”

Uran said. “We’re not going to be the test pilot or something that’s going to be put out there that we should have done something differently. There’s no playbook on this pandemic.”

While the city plans to look at data again at the end of the month, Parks and Recreation Director Jennie Burgess said the ice rink was ready to go as soon as the city team gave the OK.

“It kind of stinks, but it’s for the safety of all involved, so we think we’re making the right decision and we’ll just keep reevaluating as things change,” Burgess said.

Also at the meeting, COVID-19 vaccine distribution was discussed. Uran said the city is working with Franciscan Health and through the state of Indiana. Public safety and essential workers are able to receive the vaccine.

Special Events Director Diana Bosse said those 80 and older are able to make appointments to receive their vaccines. Uran said the public can dial 2-1-1 to receive more information, and fire Chief Dave Crane noted he received his second dose of the vaccine Tuesday morning.

“I’m very hopeful that everybody, when it’s their turn to get it, will definitely consider getting it,” Crane said. “That’s going to help us knock this down long term.”