Could ice skating be a possibility in Scully Park?
Copper removed for refurbishing Logan County Courthouse dome

 

[May 05, 2022] 

At the May 3, Logan County Board Building and Grounds Committee meeting members discussed options for a portable ice skating rink at Scully Park and heard updates on the courthouse dome restoration.

Committee member Jim Wessbecher is looking at having a concrete pad that could be used in various ways during different seasons.

In exploring options, Wessbecher has talked to some companies about putting up a pickleball court with the concrete topped by four-by-four squares.

During colder weather, the concrete could be topped by a rubber underlayment that would go under a portable ice rink made of synthetic ice. Benches and a shed to house ice skates would also be needed.

One question is whether to charge people for ice skating. In talking to places that have ice skating, Wessbecher said some charge $10 for adults and $8 for children. In Springfield, Wessbecher said tickets are purchased online. There is a liability clause on the ticket.

If a portable ice skating rink is put up, Wessbecher said they would need to decide how long to run it, whether it be one month or six weeks. Deciding who would run it would be another decision.

Board Chairman Emily Davenport asked about sizes for the ice rink and whether trees would need to come down.

For the rink size, Wessbecher said it would be around 40 X 60 foot.

As for the trees, committee chairman David Blankenship did not think any would need to be removed but may need to be pruned.

When the rink is set up, Wessbecher said various groups could possibly run it as a fundraiser, charging for skate rental.

To committee member David Hepler, having a nominal fee would be user friendly for everyone. Some may have their own equipment, but others may not.

Committee member Scott Schaffenacker said he would like to hear some initial buy-in from the Lincoln Park District.

Setting up a pickleball court and portable ice rink is something Davenport feels would benefit many people.

For the concrete, Blankenship said he could check on getting bids.

For the rink, decorative fencing and rental skates, costs would be $46,220.

Wessbecher motioned to present the rink to the full board.

Dome restoration update

Courthouse restoration project manager Bill Walter said contractors have taken the appropriate copper pieces off the dome. These will be sent to Chicago and Canada to have individual pieces manufactured.

Copper will continue to be strategically removed.
 

Another company may soon be coming in to install a “bonnet” to cover the area during rain. Walter said the plastic surrounding the dome has not been able to tolerate the weather. The material they are looking at to replace the plastic is like a car airbag and is very light, airy and durable.

As more work gets underway, Walter said they will expand the territory outside the courthouse for contractor storage containers. The container will be needed for materials and tools. A dumpster will be placed on the same side as the stairway to the dome.

Weekly updates with information will soon be sent to the board through email. Walter said that will provide board members a place to ask questions or make comments.

Eventually, Walter said there will be an ability to access photographs and videos. These photographs and videos will also be displayed on a loop in the courthouse lobby.

In a couple weeks, Walter plans to meet with courthouse employees to go over a more precise schedule of items affecting them.

Soon, Walter will meet with the Transition Committee to start formulating plans on who may need to be moved. Walter and the Transition Committee will determine who will be leaving the premises [during interior work] and where they will be working from.

[Angela Reiners]