Skating returns to Franklin for 1st time in 30 years

FRANKLIN — Franklin High School teacher Randy Dickson heard the brand new ice rink in Odell Park was ready for use, and became the first to skate there last week.

For the first time in three decades, there is ice skating in the City of Franklin, thanks to an endeavor spearheaded by a group of volunteers, with the funding and construction work done completely by donation, to the tune of $44,000, so far.

“First of all, the ice was great,” said Dickson, who went down to the rink with his hockey stick in hand ready to hit some pucks on Dec. 17. “This is a wonderful project.”

Dickson heard the rink was going to open at 4 p.m., so right after he finished up teaching his Tech Education class, he and fellow teacher Charlie Chapple went over to Odell Park. Dickson is excited to have skating back in the city, noting he's heard all about how the school's lower field used to be naturally flooded by the Winnipesaukee River.

This newly created rink is more sophisticated, complete with sideboards and solar-powered lights, as well as a warming hut offering food and drinks.

“We didn’t have any facilities, bathrooms or food,” said Kathy Fuller, treasurer of the nonprofit group Franklin Parks and Recreation Volunteers, of previous iterations of a city skating rink. “We literally just skated and went home. This will be much better for everyone. This is such a feel good initiative."

Another key aspect is the availability of free skates, and the hope is children in the area will discover what is a fun winter activity, free of charge.

“We have a tentative list of kids, about 10 to 20, who are interested,” Dickson said. “Some have never skated in their lives.”

Anyone who has ever fitted skates for a child knows it can be an adventure. The equipment can also be expensive. Fuller said they are always looking for donated skates to be distributed to kids, and adults, who may need them.

While so much work has been put into bringing skating to life in Franklin, it has been a quick process. Last winter, Fuller saw two local residents shoveling snow off the river behind Odell Park for their children to skate, with open water very close by. A former nurse, she has seen catastrophes with people falling into the river which ended in death, and she said the Winnipesaukee River has a current that can make things especially dangerous.

Fuller and Stu Smith, president of Franklin Parks and Recreation Volunteers, went to work soliciting donations, and working with the city’s Parks & Rec Department to make an ice rink a reality. They created a registered  501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, held many well-attended meetings, and have had members of the community step up to not only clear the area, but erect the rink for public use.

It's not to say there weren’t some bumps along the way. The fickle weather can make things difficult in New Hampshire as it is, but trying to plan digging, putting up walls, flooding the area with water, then dealing with rain and temperatures in the low 50s, is a challenge. Not to mention making sure the liner doesn’t fail.

“My son went out and put his hands in the icy water to put flex seal down on the liner,” Fuller said. “More than likely, we’ll need to replace it next year. But we’ll get to that. We’ll get through this season. We are learning along the way.”

The solar lights have been covered by snow at times, dimming them, and Fuller said they will just need to start shoveling them off when it snows. The group is waiting for the city’s approval to add more spotlights to make the back of the rink more visible.

They didn’t let any of the adversity get to them, though, and have persevered to get the rink open. A lot has been trial and error, with volunteers giving their input and looking to other groups of people who have built backyard rinks. Others have provided their personal expertise, and almost every day, volunteers have done one thing or another to push toward opening.

Dickson said the lights were dim, and they may have lost a few pucks, but the vibe was high all around. Skaters have been on the ice daily and nightly since last week.

Mother Nature still has a few tricks up her sleeve, with a little bit of a warm spell mixed with some rain of late, and now snow in the forecast. However, Fuller said she believes the ice will remain OK, and there will be plenty of skating in the future in the Three Rivers City.

The opening of the rink comes just in time for vacation week for local students, and she expects the warming hut to be open, with snacks, hot chocolate, and free skates available.

“It has been overwhelming at times, and we’ve been rushing to get it done to open for the season, but it is working,” Fuller said. “The ice is beautiful, and everyone is excited.”

The job isn’t over yet for Franklin Parks and Recreation Volunteers, however, as they are still renovating the cottage in Odell Park, which hasn’t been used for more than six years. A new liner for the ice will likely be needed, and additional lights will need to be purchased. In other words, the group is always accepting donations, suggestions, and volunteers to help.

To get involved, call Fuller at 603-512-1078, or send a check made out to Franklin NH Parks and Rec Volunteers to 200 Prospect St., Franklin, NH 03235.

While the rink will be open all day and into the night, the tentative schedule for the warming hut is from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The hut is closed on Tuesdays, as it is the meeting location for the local Scouts troop.

The hut will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day during school vacation, and Fuller expects this to be the schedule during February break, as well.

A grand opening ceremony is planned for 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29. Odell Park is at 124 Memorial St.

For more information, visit franklinnh.gov/parks-recreation/pages/odell-park-ice-skating-rink.