MADAWASKA, Maine – Madawaska officials will establish a subcommittee to look at the possibility of bringing an ice rink to town while also exploring other new community additions such as a pool and splash pad.
The idea for an ice rink was first proposed to the town selectboard about two years ago when Madawaska resident Chad Morneault suggested installing an artificial ice rink at the town’s Multi-Purpose Building. The project, at that point, involved tearing up the floor and installing underground pipes.
Morneault said on Tuesday that this project would have cost roughly $1.5 million.
Madawaska selectboard Chair Jason Boucher said the project never gained momentum due to the rec department’s lengthy shutdown and the significant costs associated with the project.
Morneault and resident Kris Albert on Tuesday night presented the board with a completely new design — an IceMat Ice Rink created by Calmac. These rinks involve using an above-ground plastic sheet that circulates coolant. The installation would cost over $700,000, but it would require minimal modifications to the building itself and it would be significantly easier to operate.
He said that it would be seasonal, and could be taken apart and stored.
Once installed, boards would be placed on top of the mat and ice would be flooded on top. And within three to five days, Morneault said it would be complete.
“We could be skating there from the beginning of October, all the way to the end of March,” he said.
He said the town could set a fee for people to skate during this time.
Madawaska Rec Director Rebecca Cyr said that people who take their families skating in Bangor for the weekend often spend money at restaurants and gas stations, and that Madawaska could see a similar economic benefit from this.
“It’s revenue not just for the rec, but for the town,” Cyr said.
Morneault said that electricity rates to maintain the rink could be offset to below $4,000 per month if the doors are kept open during colder months to naturally cool the ice. Without doing this, the rates would cost between $4,000 to $6,000 per month.
He said that a rep from Calmac told him the initial installation could take just three to five days with volunteer assistance. He said he sent the company photos of the Multi-Purpose Building and they were confident that the rink could be installed there.
Morneault recommended having one of the company reps visit Madawaska to answer more questions about the rink and to conduct a site survey.
Boucher suggested having this item brought to a subcommittee that the town will form to look into the possibility of bringing a splash park or pool to the town.
He said the committee would be tasked with getting more information, conducting additional research and seeking out grants and funding methods for the project. They would then present their findings and a recommendation to the selectboard.
“It’s a big process, but if we have everything lined up, we can do it.” Boucher said.
