Village Moves Forward With Roller Rink Replacement

While hockey season may be over, the roller rink at Garden City Community Park is getting a much-needed facelift.

The first steps of the project have been approved by the village for the rink's replacement. The site of the old rink has already been partially demolished. 

Kevin Ocker, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs, is leading the project to replace the much-loved roller rink.

"Phase I of the roller rink replacement was approved," he said. "de Bruin Engineering P.C. will be doing the preliminary design, cost estimate and construction documents for bidding as phase I of the project [continues]."

While the budgeting and construction plans will be left to the engineers and village board, Ocker is consistent in making sure that residents of the village have the chance to voice their opinions and ideas.

"Also as part of phase I, de Bruin will be leading several focus group meetings with interested residents who will be giving us valuable input regarding elements to be included in the project," Ocker said. In the past, these types of focus groups have resulted in much success for similar projects.

The roller rink, which is primarily used by the roller hockey program, which is sponsored by the department of parks and recreation, has players from the ages of 5 to 14, as well as an adult league.

"All together we have [more than] 350 residents using this organized program," Ocker told Patch. "We also allow residents to use the rink on 'open time' for their own use."

The new renovation plan also includes the installation of a new small comfort station that will be located next to the rink. 

"Residents using the soccer field, No. 4 baseball field and the rink will have adequate facilities," he said. "This small aspect will be a great improvement along with the new rink."

According to Ocker, a preliminary budget will be discussed by the board of trustees for the project at the July 19 village board meeting. He also said the projected timeline for the renovation's completion is April 2013, just in time for the spring roller hockey season.

"The main reason the project is moving forward is because of the overwhelming support of the roller hockey enthusiasts that advocated during the budget process," Ocker said. "There is a very strong support for the project."