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Printer-Friendly ModeRelocation to Founders Hall brings ice rink back to life
January 29, 2007 —
After many trials, tribulations, and a short hiatus, SVSU students may finally have an ice rink to enjoy this winter.
The rink is located in front of Founders Hall and is currently open for use.
The idea for an ice rink was proposed by Student Association at an open forum on campus, and although the idea gained plenty of support, it took three winters to correctly formulate a proper ice rink.
The rink was created by building a berm, a border of dirt roughly two feet tall, and was then filled with ditchwater and rainwater.
Unlike previous years, the weather permitted the rink to freeze up. The rink ended up being 100 feet by 80 feet, accounting for a very large area to skate.
Bob Lopez, the groundskeeper and foreman for Campus Facilities, said since relocating from the courtyard to Founders Hall, the rink has been nothing but a huge success.
"It's the best it's ever been," he said.
The rink's current location is not a prime spot, as it is located near the outskirts of campus. Since 2005, the University has been trying to set it up more in the middle of campus, but due to drainage problems it was not possible.
"The structure in our campus is not designed for an ice rink," Lopez said.
The cost to build the rink was not a huge factor. Most of the extra money it took to build the rink was only the cost of labor.
The University provided many of the materials that were needed.
Lopez said the rink is used often, and recalls seeing around 20 to 25 people per day using it, and even more during the weekends.
Since the ice rink has been used often, it is sprayed and treated frequently.
Depending on the weather and how much it's used, the rink gets treated at least twice per week.
For more information, contact Bob Lopez at rpl@svsu.edu.