Chase residents bid adieu to a long-standing community feature, and begin to plan for the future.
Those heading down Pine Street lately may have noticed a large empty lot where the local outdoor skating rink once stood.
The rink, which has been the staple for many childhood memories in the area, was torn down earlier this month.
The decision was made last year based on a combination of climate and liability, said Joni Heinrich, chief administrative officer, describing how the area remains iceless for most of the year. The facility wasn’t able to be used the way it once was and the village thought the property could serve a better purpose.
Heinrich also explains how the rink’s foundation, as well as the walls, had become severely worn down over the years and were beginning to become a liability for the village.
While many Chase residents have voiced their displeasure at the loss of their beloved rink, they can now share ideas on what purpose the site might next serve.
Heinrich says nothing has been determined yet but a number of possibilities are being explored.
Some of these include a skate park, an idea that was considered a few years back but a location could not be found, and a sprinkler park.
“Nothing is final yet,” says Heinrich. “We are just looking at the possibilities.