In New York City there is ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. In Grand Rapids there is ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle. And this year in Pentwater, there's ice skating at the Village Green for residents and visitors alike.
The project started when Ryan Williams (who owns Port View) had the idea and pursued a way to make it happen, needing funding and approvals. So, he approached the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) with the idea and a request for financial support. They were willing to provide the funding with the requirement that the rink be located in the village.
With finances in hand, Williams attended the January Pentwater Village Council meeting and asked for approval to locate the rink at the Village Green in time for Winterfest. Having received majority council approval, Williams engaged Joe Primozich’s help to enlist volunteers for designing and constructing the rink. After several intensive conversations with the Artisan Center director in the space of two days, the project was in motion. Williams ordered the materials needed. Daryl Massa (a civil engineer) drew up the project blueprint.
Massa and Barry Freed from the Artisan Center built the 12-inch tall sides from lumber for the 32-foot-by-64-foot rink. Tom Roose (electrical engineer and construction manager) helped Massa and Freed install the frame. The bottom and sides were then covered by a thick tarp. It was a very windy day when the tarp was laid out and it started to lift up with the wind. To prevent its flight, help was recruited from Theresa Roose, Judy Primozich, Dean Lydey, Craig Chambers and some nearby onlookers. “While throwing snow on it to weigh it down, we joked about what it would look like if it took off and flew up to the water tower…” Joe Primozich laughed. “…Sort of like a trapped magic carpet.”
Using a pumper truck over several days, Joe Malburg, Adam Kokx and Katie Kokx sprayed five individual layers of water over the tarp for a solid ice base. The biggest challenge was the amount of snow that fell almost daily. Primozich reported, “We hired Turning Leaf for one snow clearing with their leaf blowers. But other times we relied on volunteers.” Roose, Jack Provencal, and Primozich helped to clear the ice and their efforts were enhanced by Bruce and Kathy Ortman, Mike Russel and Massa who brought their snowblowers to the rink. Williams said, “We had to be careful that the machines didn’t damage the tarp on the sides of the rink.”
Two weeks after construction started, the rink was ready for skating. On Sunday, Feb. 1, the rink saw 30 skaters. “Fourteen of them were children, and that for me was the mark of success,” Primozich remarked.
Residents who grew up in Pentwater may fondly remember the ice skating rink that once was on Park Street close to the library. As students, they often left school to skate before going home. “Those fond memories are inspiring residents to bring their children and grandchildren to the new ice rink to make new memories of fun on the ice.”
The project goal was to provide six weeks of skating. If the cold temperatures hold and the ice keeps until the first of March, Williams will consider the goal achieved. Williams shared, “We hope to see the ice used for broomball and hockey in addition to family skating. Future investment may include benches for putting on skates and goal nets for games.”
He wished to also thank Sue Bainton for the use of support frames for beginner skaters and Brian Prescott for his willingness to hold loaner skates at Green Isaac’s, where prospective skaters can borrow them.
“It took the whole Village to make this happen - we had collaboration with the DDA, the village manager, the Artisan Center, the Pentwater Service Club and the Pentwater Fire Department. Thanks to all the volunteers involved. Apologies for any names that may have been unintentionally forgotten,” Williams said.
All are welcome to come to skate, or just to enjoy watching the action!
