Structural engineering setback stalls seasonal rink’s planned Nov. 21 opening as city’s Parks & Recreation staff work to secure required approvals
By Steve Mitchell, Ashland.news
The opening of the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink has been put on hold due to unexpected permitting complications tied to the canopy that covers the outdoor rink across Winburn Way from Lithia Park.
The rink was scheduled to open on Friday, Nov. 21, according to a Thursday, Nov. 20, press release on the city’s website. Instead, it remains closed indefinitely, Ashland Parks & Recreation Director Rocky Houston said. Houston said the delay is due to structural engineering requirements tied to the canopy.
The city’s press release noted that the parks department would previously dismantle the canopy at the close of each skating season. Recently, the release said, department staff have been leaving the structure up during the off-season to extend the lifespan of the fabric. That change, Houston said, prompted the need for a permanent permit, which requires updated structural calculations to meet current building codes.
Houston said the department started the permitting process in February, but last week, his staff learned that the structural engineer with the canopy’s manufacturer had been laid off. He said the parks department is now working with the canopy company and is developing a “local engineer alternative.”
Houston said the city’s Community Development Department will issue the permit per state law. He said he did not want to speculate on an opening date yet, since he still does not have all of the information to determine the timeline.
“We want to ensure the residents of Ashland that we are working diligently to resolve this as soon as possible,” Houston said. “We know how beloved the outdoor ice rink is in our community, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through these final steps. Ensuring public safety by ensuring the structure meets current building code is our highest priority. We look forward to welcoming the public soon and kicking off another great season.”
Related stories:
City’s ice rink to get important updates in coming season (Sept. 18, 2024)
Aging Ashland ice rink infrastructure may have to be replaced, commissioners told (May 2, 2024)
Ice rink issues, parking on Winburn Way through Lithia Park top APRC special meeting agenda Wednesday (May 1, 2024)
