It didn't take long for Buffalo Police to break up the pond hockey at Gala Waters (Hoyt Lake). After having a stellar day of hockey last Saturday, skaters were met with a cool reception Sunday morning. In the past, this would have been enough for some young Buffalonians to run for the hills. But instead of tucking their tails between their legs and calling it quits, the skaters have come together to form the Buffalo Pond Hockey Committee in order to make a stand for skating in 2012.
The committee met this past week at The Eights to discuss a strategy that would make the most sense. A phone call to Councilman Mike LoCurto proved fruitful, with Mike stating that he would help the group in any way that he could. Skaters plan on meeting with the councilman as early as this week. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy also stepped up to the plate by offering the committee a place to skate (skating photos: Parkside Lodge) for the remainder of this season. The skaters were so impressed with the size and conditions of the Parkside rink that they have even offered to help maintain the ice.
The initial committee meeting has led to a number of discussions that will hopefully provide The City with a number of viable options moving forward. It is the hope that the ice can be tested immediately in various locations of the lake. Ongoing efforts (for winter 2011 to 2012) would include consistent snow clearing to help freezing conditions, along with utilizing portable water hand pumps for additional smoothing and freezing. Until this point, there has not been a major concentrated effort to push for public skating, and committee members have expressed that they too are willing to accept the possibility that there will be no skating if the conditions do not allow it. Without proper research, and relying solely on hearsay, it is impossible to determine whether the ice is safe or not. It is the desire of the committee to be able to solve this issue rather than continuing to push the envelope.
If the conditions of the ice turn out to be lackluster, there are alternate solutions to accommodate the skaters and the general public. With a number of passionate skaters driving this initiative, the 2012 winter season will hopefully allow for skaters to take to the ice in some capacity - that could mean skating on Gala Waters or even the possible construction of a second skating rink at Delaware Park.
View image
The committee met this past week at The Eights to discuss a strategy that would make the most sense. A phone call to Councilman Mike LoCurto proved fruitful, with Mike stating that he would help the group in any way that he could. Skaters plan on meeting with the councilman as early as this week. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy also stepped up to the plate by offering the committee a place to skate (skating photos: Parkside Lodge) for the remainder of this season. The skaters were so impressed with the size and conditions of the Parkside rink that they have even offered to help maintain the ice.
The initial committee meeting has led to a number of discussions that will hopefully provide The City with a number of viable options moving forward. It is the hope that the ice can be tested immediately in various locations of the lake. Ongoing efforts (for winter 2011 to 2012) would include consistent snow clearing to help freezing conditions, along with utilizing portable water hand pumps for additional smoothing and freezing. Until this point, there has not been a major concentrated effort to push for public skating, and committee members have expressed that they too are willing to accept the possibility that there will be no skating if the conditions do not allow it. Without proper research, and relying solely on hearsay, it is impossible to determine whether the ice is safe or not. It is the desire of the committee to be able to solve this issue rather than continuing to push the envelope.If the conditions of the ice turn out to be lackluster, there are alternate solutions to accommodate the skaters and the general public. With a number of passionate skaters driving this initiative, the 2012 winter season will hopefully allow for skaters to take to the ice in some capacity - that could mean skating on Gala Waters or even the possible construction of a second skating rink at Delaware Park.
I don't play hockey but would love a rink designated for open skate that's large enough to not get too congested. The Key Bank rink is a little too small for skating around at any rate of speed. Perhaps these guys could help get a rink designated for open skate only for those of us who do not play hockey?
I don't know the hours but I'm pretty sure you can go down there now and skate. I'd imagine open skate is for normal skaters, the real problem is having time allocated to play hockey. Hopefully these guys or the Conservancy can make and post a schedule. What about Curling too? :0
Like I said in the last thread a permanent rink is way better than the Lake. This will offer more consistency, but I am glad they are taking the steps to get skating on the lake as well when weather permits. Win-win.
Now before they go and build another rink I'd suggest advocating outdoor Skating at all City Parks. I've heard rumors about Caz creating an outdoor play surface, and MLK splash pad is rumored to have a skating rink in the winter. Not to mention downtown should have an epic rink, no offense to Rotary.
I'd love to join in on any future meetings, please give any info. I'd like to jump on this bandwagon.
If I'm not mistaken the wading pool at MLK park, which is massive is currently being remodeled and in the winder months it will be frozen over for ice skating
super excited about that...