In order to accomplish numerous construction projects at Washington Park Ice Arena this summer, the rink will reopen on July 28 - one week later than originally planned, but a far cry from the August and September dates that worried skaters.
The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission cast the unanimous decision Tuesday evening to keep the facility available to skaters for the majority of season, rather than closing the facility for repairs over the summer.
Shortly after the rink closed on April 19, an unusually large crowd of skating supporters attended a Recreation Special Services Committee meeting to express their concerns about a staff proposal that would have delayed the opening of the arena until possibly Aug. 25 or Sept. 2.
At that meeting Parks and Recreation Director Bill Lockwood noted the aging building - particularly the "warming room" where skaters get out of the cold - is in need of significant improvements. Roof repairs, replacement of rubber flooring and new ceiling and lights are all on the to-do list, he said.
Gart Pollard, who sits on the Recreation Services subcommittee, told listeners the rink will remain open while the repairs are accomplished. But he also warned the work must be done even if it means an unanticipated closure.
"As with all construction projects, there are things that are unforeseen. You never know what's going to happen," he cautioned.
Scott and Julie Stotlemeyer, two parents of a 14-year-old figure skater, said the compromise was good enough.
"I commend you for listening to our presentation," Scott Stotlemeyer said, adding that skating parents are willing to help where needed.
An early fall starting date would hurt the competitiveness of the skating programs, he added.
Julie Stotlemeyer said she hopes the two groups will be able to continue to talk about the rink's operation.
"We'd like to be able to share ideas from other rinks in the region," she said. "We'd really like to see the rink open, full-time."
Also on Tuesday, Fourth Ward Councilman Glen Costales appeared before the Parks and Recreation Commission to ask them to reconsider signage at Oak Hills Golf Center in an effort to keep alcohol off the property.
Oak Hills, the city's only public golf course, never has sold beer or other alcoholic beverages. But the topic has a long history.
It started when philanthropist Arthur Hough donated 50 acres in 1917 to be used by the city as a park. One of the restrictions Hough placed on the deed stated: "No beverages containing any quantity of alcohol or the substitute shall ever be used or drunk on said grounds."
"It's pretty clear," Costales said.
Some people believe Hough's heirs signed a quit claim deed to free the land of restrictions in 1952. But no record of the deed can be found at the Cole County Recorder of Deed's office.
The city filed a lawsuit in 1991 in hopes of condemning the property and causing it to revert back to the city, without restrictions, but the City Council backed off when public opposition formed.
Costales said he's bringing the concern forward on behalf of a constituent who doesn't like to see alcohol imbibed on the property. Signs warn golfers not to bring their own coolers. Costales said the city rents out coolers and sells ice, but turns a blind eye to what golfers drink.
"It's wink, wink," he said. "To me, personally, we need to live by the letter of the law."
The Parks and Recreation Commission listened on Tuesday, but didn't suggest a course of action.