Ice rink open by Cowell Gym

By DIANE BRONCACCIO

Recorder Staff
Monday, February 3, 2014
(Published in print: Tuesday, February 4, 2014)

SHELBURNE FALLS — Frigid winter weather combined with volunteer efforts to create a 100-by-90-foot ice skating rink on the outdoor tennis courts of the Cowell Gymnasium.

While winter lasts, residents may go to the Cowell Gym on Maple Street to enjoy the free outdoor rink, which is divided between an ice hockey area and a free-skate section.

Cowell Gym Director Emily Crehan said the ice pond formed naturally, then volunteers mounded up the surrounding snow to contain the ice. Neighbor and volunteer Frank Field added more water, to smooth out the ice, and he keeps an eye on its condition.

The rink also has a new cedar bench nearby, where skaters can take off shoes and skates. The skating bench was built and donated by carpenter Dave Campolo of Greenfield, who worked with Recreation Committee Chairwoman Diana Hardina and Jeff Kratz of Leader Home Center to create it. Leader Home Center donated the cedar for the bench.

“Townspeople have been coming up here and are really happy to see it,” said Crehan.

To find out about more activities at the Cowell Gym online, “like” the Cowell’s Facebook page to see notices of open gym times that randomly occur over weekends, school vacations and holidays. For more information or to inquire about a private rental, call 625-0305.

Online information is at:

https://www.facebook.com/CowellGym


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