EGF looking at downtown skate rink

A plan to move a downtown skating rink from Town Square in Grand Forks to a gravel parking lot in East Grand Forks may be on thin ice.

The rink has been located in downtown Grand Forks since 2015 but members of the DDA have approached East Grand Forks about the possibility of using a site at the corner of DeMers and 4th Street NW.

East Grand Forks Council President Mark Olstad says he’s not opposed to the idea but questions whether that’s the right location given the amount of traffic that goes by each day.  “For safety of people going to that…it’s close to sidewalks and the street.  The other thing is losing parking for business locations and snow removal.”

It’s estimated maintenance of the 87-by-87 foot rink would cost between $18,000 and $20,000 dollars.

An alternative location could be near the Veterans Memorial. Parks Superintendent Reid Huttenun says he can look at other options.  “At the Veterans Memorial I’ll need to do some more work with Water and Light regarding power and costs for getting it.  As long as we are doing the work – I like the grass by the Police Department too.”

Further discussion is expected at a future meeting.