Volunteers Jon Albright, left, Jeff Patterson and Marc Robertson started work early on Sunday in an attempt to beat the heat. David Clement and Zach Huff, not pictured, also pitched in at the ice rink over the weekend.
Work on refrigeration equipment begins this month
By Laurelle Walsh
A small crew of intrepid volunteers, led by project superintendent Marc Robertson, donned their tool belts, braved last weekend’s heat, and began framing an addition to the Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink (WISR) building.
“We got about half of the interior walls framed,” said Robertson. “This week we’ll finish framing and begin the second floor. Next week we’ll begin prep on rafters and trusses.”
Every accomplishment is a step in the right direction, said Robertson, WISR board member and founder of the rink, which he and other volunteers built in 2007. This year Robertson has volunteered to coordinate and oversee the refrigeration of the outdoor ice rink and expansion of the building, a million-dollar project which requires $70,000 of in-kind labor and materials.
Construction of the 3,000-square-foot addition to the existing building began on June 10 and, when complete, will include an office, changing rooms, locker rooms and restrooms, expanded rentals area and equipment storage. The building’s shell must be finished before they can start laying the groundwork of the refrigerated rink in mid-July, Robertson said.
Building the new regulation-sized rink will be overseen by Wayne Aussem, a consultant from Vancouver, B.C. Specialized subcontractors will be brought in for the refrigeration and concrete pour. “But we’re still providing the labor,” Robertson said.
Concrete must be poured by Sept. 1 to give it a month to cure before freezing, he said.
Volunteers essential
Volunteers are an essential part of the project and will help make sure the timeline stays on track, said Robertson. “I actually have no idea how long it’s going to take because I don’t have a regular crew,” he said.
Currently, he needs skilled carpenters to help get the shell up. “If people can find even a half day to come down, it can make a big difference,” he said.
“This is a very busy year for everybody, and I’ve kind of run into a wall getting volunteers to help out,” Robertson said. “But I’m hoping if a few people come down, this project will build momentum.”
People interested in helping out for a few hours or a few days should call Janice Dickinson at (509) 341-4400 with their available days and times. Knowing who is coming in advance will enable Robertson to plan his workdays, and make sure he has something for everyone to do, he said.
“I’m down here pretty much seven days a week,” Robertson said.
Many volunteer opportunities exist for both skilled and unskilled workers, according to WISR board chair Jill Calvert. For example, the existing fiberglass rink perimeter boards, which are being stored in Horizon Flats during construction, need refinishing. “Sanding and re-fiberglassing the boards would be a good project for somebody to take on,” Calvert suggested.
More information can be found at www.winthropicerink.com and on Facebook at Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink — the Outdoor Rink of the Methow Valley.
