Synthetic ‘ice rink’ surface rental coming to McGill Plaza
Since Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the feasibility of adding an ice rink as one of the Town’s amenities during its retreat in February, that idea is gaining some weight.
The Board, at its meeting Thursday, July 11, voted 3-1 to approve a contract bid to install a synthetic ice rink rental and services at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza, 11409 Kingston Pik, from Nov. 22 through Jan. 4, 2025. Cost is $54,999.
“Staff and Board have received requests and feedback from the community to provide an ice rink for recreational use during the holiday season,” Parks and Recreation director Ron Oestreich said. When Town staff reached out to Cool Sports, he said they learned “rinks with real ice required compressors and a resurfacing machine, which drives up the cost.”
So, “after much research, it was determined that a synthetic ice surface rental would be the most beneficial for the Town regarding upkeep, operations and overall cost,” Oestreich said.
“The contract includes installation and breakdown of the 33-foot-by-53-foot surface, rental skate and an operational manager to oversee the rink,” he added.
According to the contract, the rink will be located in the west parking lot adjacent to Village Green shopping center.
After receiving two bids — Chill Entertainment Inc. for $59,999 and Rinks-R-Us LLC for $54,999, he recommended — and the Board approved — accepting Rinks-R-US LLC’s lower bid.
Those in favor, against rink
However, there was pushback. “To me, this is outrageous,” resident Steve Williams said. “We’re going to spend money on an ice rink that’s fake ice.”
Alderman David White agreed it would bring “more activity to the neighborhood,” but asked about liability and necessity issues: “We need to spend our money on things that help the citizens, not for people to play, recreate, maybe get hurt. … I’m not for it at all.”
On the other hand, “I think this (synthetic ice rink) will be a wonderful asset, in addition to our Light the Park that we do, which also costs quite a bit of money,” Vice Mayor Louise Povlin said. “It will bring more activity to the area … I’m fine with it.”
“Believe it or not, we have a lot of people in our Town that want this to happen,” Mayor Ron Williams said. “… We’re spending money for our people.”
