Local curling enthusiasts seek temporary downtown rink; commission asks staff to investigate

Organizers of Rangeley’s informal outdoor curling group told the park commission on May 28 they want to trial a temporary, seasonal curling rink on town-owned land behind the Alpine and near the tennis courts.

A speaker representing the club described roughly 10 years of outdoor curling, said a typical turnout is eight to 12 players on a good day and that weather often ruins the ice at Haley Pond. The organizer proposed using removable boards with a rubber liner to create a roughly 70-foot-long by 8–10-foot-wide rink, saying donated stones (the speaker estimated replacement stones cost about $7,000) and volunteer labor would cover direct costs.

Commissioners raised liability, insurance and site concerns and discussed limiting the rink to noninterference with tennis courts and protecting turf by requiring removal by the end of March. One commissioner moved that Keith look into permitting, insurance and other requirements; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

“We could make it work. I’m happy for it. Just bring stuff. We could try it for a year,” the organizer said, describing outreach already done to local schools and volunteers. Commissioners suggested contacting the fire chief and town snow-removal crew for logistical support and emphasized that any formal permit would require staff review and possibly insurance documentation.

Next steps: staff (Keith) will report back with findings on permits, insurance needs and recommended sites; if favorable, the commission said it would consider a one-year pilot with clear removal and turf-protection requirements.