The Barrington Park and Recreation Commission is considering dividing the Legion Way ice rink, allowing for a more permanent skate park.

During the Commission’s recent meeting, Barrington resident Tom Claussen asked officials if it would be possible to divide the rink and use a portion of the paved surface as a more permanent skate park. Currently, the large rink is used for ice skating in the cold weather months and skate-boarding in the summer. There are a few ramps that are positioned on the rink.

Mr. Claussen said one of his sons likes to skateboard, but he and his friends are often run off other property. He said his son even gets yelled at when he skateboards down the road. 

“He got run off when he was skating at one of the churches,” Mr. Claussen said. “Skateboarders are (treated as) lower class citizens.”

Commission Chairman Mike Seward said he liked the idea of dividing the Legion Way ice rink area. Officials had earlier been discussing the cost to repair the asphalt surface of the ice rink.

Commission member Thomas “TR” Rimoshytus spoke about the dimensions of the ice rink and how much space could possibly be set aside for the skate park — officials referenced an area about 100 feet by 75 feet. Officials said a berm would need to be constructed between the skate park area and the ice rink, to ensure that the skate park did not flood. 

Mr. Claussen said that would large for a skate park, that it would be more than enough space. He later said they would just need to collect a few more pieces of equipment for the skate park. 

Mr. Rimoshytus asked Mr. Claussen if he would be willing to raise money for the park upgrades and enhancements. Mr. Claussen said he would offer to volunteer and help with the effort.

Eventually, Mr. Rimoshystus agreed to meet with Mr. Claussen and further discuss the idea.