FARMINGTON — The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Tuesday to continue operation of the Dick Williams Memorial Skating Rink at Hippach Field this winter and next.

After listening to the public, “everyone wants it to stay,” Selectman Andrew Hufnagel said.

During a presentation of the proposed Parks and Recreation budget last week, Director Steve Shible asked the board if it wanted to continue spending $4,400 for the rink, which serves few skaters for a short time.

The board wanted to hear from the public before making the decision.

Selectmen Hufnagel, Jessica Berry and Joshua Bell listened to residents. People generally “did want it to stay,” Bell said.

Berry agreed.

Bell suggested perhaps the department could reach out for volunteers to help with the work of the rink. The Rotary Club did it for years, he said. He also suggested fundraising could be done.

Berry thanked Shible for looking for ways to “potentially save the town some money and putting it out there.”

Shible was willing, last week, to continue the rink but looked to the board for direction. He estimated a potential for saving $3,500 this winter if the rink was closed.

Along with the cost, the rink is subject to weather and, in recent years, low attendance, Shible told the board. The season normally starts about the first of January and extends through to the first or second week of February. 

This winter has been extreme, going from being below zero to a January thaw, he said Tuesday.

“People have no idea how difficult it is” to keep the rink going and safe for skaters, he said.

Shible agreed that responses he was aware of since last week favored keeping the rink open.

He said he hopes to extend the skating season until mid-February, if the weather allows. There are funds for it since the department is saving money on days of rain and warmer temperatures when the ice condition is not safe for skating, he said.

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