Committee to suggest location for skating rink
The ice skating rink equipment that sits in a trailer in Waveny Park behind the Carriage Barn may already be located close to its temporary home.
A committee responsible for locating the new ice rink is expected to report to the Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, April 14, and explain that the best temporary location would be in parking lot in the 300-acre park at 677 South Ave.
Jake Granito, who presented for the committee on Monday, April 13 said the parking lot at Waveny is the best site after several other locations were considerered, including Kiwanis Park.
A chiller for the rink sits next to the trailer behind the Carriage Barn that holds the equipment which includes a 120-foot by 60-foot rink.
The surface will be smaller than a National Hockey League regulation rink, but it could be used for practice for young children, Rep. Tom O’Dea said. The future upkeep is expected to be supplied by donations, he said.
The equipment was purchased from the Hunt Club of Westport for $50,000 with donated money in December, 2020.
Director of Public Works Tiger Mann said town would be paving the Waveny Park lot, and he has been assured it can be made level enough for the rink. He added it is probably a good time for the town to winterize the bathrooms that are located there since the park gets year-round use.
Also, proponents to the spot say this location has the benefits of access to power, ample parking and would be less likely to disturb neighbors.
The group ruled out Mead Park because the water main to the park would have to have been dug up and the areas of the park that were considered are not level enough.
Kiwanis Park is also not favored because the Exchange Club uses the park to sell Christmas trees around the holidays.
Neighbors of Kiwanis Park attended the meeting since the Park and Recreation commissioners had been considering erecting it in the park on 73 Old Norwalk Road.
The neighbors of the 13.8 acre park say they fear the rink would impact their quality of life with the incessant sound of the chiller that is used to keep the ice hard, as well as emit bright lights at night and possible air pollution.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Gene Goodman continued to argue that Kiwanis Park is the best location,
He believes that the Kiwanis lodge would be an ideal place for skaters to put on their skates, have snacks and go inside while taking a break.
Kiwanis Park neighbor Lily Gruver argued against the Kiwanis Park as a location and said of all the potential locations, the neighbors would be most affected there.
“I hope the priority would be first do no harm,” Gruver said.
Those who prefer the Waveny Park location noted there are several buildings on the lot including the mansion, Lapham Center, the Carriage Barn and the paddle ball cabin.
Granito said a tent was also being contemplated for skaters.
Goodman argued that the decision should take into account the costs, and there were no costs discussed.
Chairman of Parks and Recreation Commission Rona Siegel said the group was assigned to determine the best locations, not give detailed prices. That will be a future step.
The committee was made up of Robert (Jake) Granito, Francesca Segalas and Hank Green, with help from Mann, New Canaan Senior Engineer, Joe Zogarenski and Recreation Director Steve Benko.