2021 Rink Proposal

Please call Kim (617-308-5030) or Bob C. (617-308-5041) with any questions or concerns.

• Core team: Kim, Bob, Cyprian, and Allison (parent liason)

• Support team: Susan, Michael, Keren, Irene, Mike B (weekend), Molly, and Dan

• Sidewalk patrollers Joan, Polly, Priscilla, and Matt.

Ice rink recap for the 2018-2019 season

By the numbers:

• • 21 skating days (a basic snow roof rake would have allowed us several more days during the tricky freeze & snowfall pattern in late February/early March)

  • 3 hours to set up, 3 hours to take down, 30 mins – 1 hour here and there for ongoing maintenance 

  • 3 hours to repair leak discovered after rink began to fill

  • 2 hours to prep and fold old liner for recycling

  • Storage: The rink is tucked away in two places - panels are out back of west end; bumpers, brackets, and fence parts are under stairway between rec room and guest rooms.

  • Cost: $558. Main costs were the fence ($253) and yellow bumper caps ($275), which we discovered had been thrown out. This year, we retired the 14 year old liner. A replacement would be around $250.

  • The core team and many hands made for light and enjoyable work! Kim, Bob, Cooper, Nick, Annie, Laura, Arjun, Sharon, Joan, Polly, Keren, Michael, Roberta, Dash, Jim, Susan, Molly, Dan, Nasim, Cyprian, Robin, Alex, Eleanore & Anneliese (from Cornerstone, came to skate, stayed to help!).

  • Who skated (some a lot, some a little!): Ryan, Cooper, Magali, Lucy & friends, Nick, Axel, Katie, Kim, Bob, Sharon, Richard, Susan and Joe, Dick and Anne’s son and grandkids.

  • Who enjoyed it, including those who didn't skate: Countless. 

A Full Circle discussion will be held on Apr 14, 2019: What went well, what would you change, etc. If mostly positive, we will develop a proposal (over the next few months) for community approval of an annual ice rink in years where there is sufficient interest and support team and insurance coverage. I.e., If those criteria were met, we wouldn’t need to get it approved every year.

—

Outdoor circle: Rink discussion held on Nov 29, 2018

See accompanying circle minutes: https://sites.google.com/site/cambridgecohousing/Outdoor

Ice Rink Proposal, posted on Decision Board Nov 30: bit.ly/2018-ice-rink-proposal

Concerns harvested since Nov Full Circle

Would like to feel assured that our insurance company is okay with this. Can we double-check?

Insurance sent notice of rink approval on Feb 9, 2018, with the caveat that we post a sign that indicates “skate at your own risk” and pay a liability charge of $14. Joe has asked Mark of Hofeller Co. to double-check with Herb Segal, our insurance broker. He will let us know when he hears back.

Who wants a rink, who will skate, and do we have enough people to do the work to support it?

Skater enthusiasts and support (Note: many have registered enthusiasm for a rink. These are only the skaters and support team)

• Kim, Bob, Cooper, Lucy - skaters and core support (Lucy might only skate. Cooper has offered to conduct a workshop to make PVC pipe skate supports)

• Nick, (not Katie), and Axel - "We are definitely very interested in having the rink. I have been hoping to get Axel on the ice a lot more this winter to help him get more comfortable. It would also be a great way for us to come by more often before we physically join the community. I would be happy to join a rink support team if there is need.” 

• Keren - skate and support

• Magali - skater

• Dash - skate and support

• Laura, Arjun, Danny - "we are pro-rink (like, both searched toddler ice skates on our phones within minutes of your presentation last weekend).”

• Annie and Ira (& Roland?) - Annie happy to chip in to any work and potential expense of set-up and beautification efforts 

• Xavier - skate

• Dick - skater 

• Nora - skater

• Jennifer - skater (Mark’s roommate) 

• Michael Maciolek - occasional skater and occasional support

• Jesse and Cindy - skate and support

• Bob M. and Civry ~ approx 1/4 (i.e. occasional skaters)

• Joan - dog-walker sidewalk patroller, other support as needed

• Polly - dog-walker sidewalk patroller

• Cory and family - enthusiastic about coming to skate (5)

• Ari and Joan (neighbor regulars)

Rink team:

• Core: Kim, Bob, Cooper, Annie, Nick - set up, take down, ice resurfacing, rink beautification, etc. 

• Support team: Keren, Michael, Joan, Polly, Jesse, Sharon 

What about ice on sidewalk?

We set up a side walk patrol to address this in previous years. Joan and Polly, both dog-walkers, have agreed to be sidewalk patrollers to keep an eye out for any ice. Core team will keep watch, too. We will have a plan for them to alert team, who will check for leaks and put down ice (and they can also put down ice).

Is there a danger if water is sitting unfrozen?

We can put up a light-gauge plastic construction fence. Fence + stakes estimated around $80.

What will be the cost to the community?

We still own the rink kit from 2006. The water cost is estimated at around $100 – $130. We may buy some liner repair tape ($10), and if we put up a safety fence, it would cost around $80 (see above). That’s about $230 total. 

Will it be cold enough? Predictions point to warmer winter temperatures, rain. It’s not pleasant to look out on unfrozen water. 

Temperatures are generally getting warmer, but climate change is also about extremes. It’s difficult to predict the future, or precisely remember the past, but we have looked into NOAA’s past temperature history database for winter seasons from 2006 to 2018. There were quite a lot of skating days! (see data support). Note that the National Weather Service reported last winter that "warmer temperatures were predicted across the entire country…” We had 37 skating days. Are we okay going forward with this as the state of things?

Also, ideas are a'brewing for how we might use times when the rink is unfrozen a pleasant sight, or even fun. Think mechanical toy coi fish and lily pads or water art projects, or how about a toy fishing party! What else?

What is the plan for taking down and storing the rink in a timely matter, ensuring we do not stare out at a pool come early spring?

Putting up the rink: The criteria for moving into action to put up the rink is a weather prediction of 3 consecutive days of average 32 degrees or below weather. It takes 3 days for the rink to freeze, and skating can happen on day 4. 

Taking down the rink: Taking into consideration the trends from the temperature data of the past winter seasons, the plan will be to look at the 10-day forecast on March 1st. If there is a prediction of 3 freezing days, the rink will stay up for skaters. Once the 10-day forecast predicts no freezing days, the rink will be taken down and stored as it is now. 

—————

Ice rink information shared at Full Circle, Nov 18, 2018

Here is some information about the ice rink that Kim shared at the Nov 18, 2018 Full Circle — some history, current information, and possible next steps: 

We had an ice rink on the front lawn for three winters, in 2004 – 2005, 2005 – 2006, and 2006 – 2007. The rink was originally approved by the community in 2004, 2005, and 2006. We approved the purchase of an official "backyard ice rink” kit at the General Meeting in December 2006, to make for easier set up and a tidier, more long-lasting rink. This addressed many of the problems with the makeshift board setup of previous years. 

In 2007, when our new insurance company came to visit, they were surprised to see the rink. They sent us a notice in March 2007 to take down the rink. This was a big disappointment for the rink support team (of about 14) and the many other skaters and sliders, and those that simply enjoyed seeing cold winter days come to life. The hope was that perhaps a new company or an insurance rider would reopen the possibility.

In the hopes that the insurance company would come around, the ice rink team moved ahead to formalize a proposal at the June 9, 2007 general meeting: to permit an ice rink on the pretty good lawn each winter as long as there is the will, energy, insurance coverage, and ongoing support of the community to do it. It was approved on a trial basis, to be revisited before being made permanent. As hopes for insurance coverage waned, it was never revisited. 

Since it March 2007, the board, the Hofeller Company and the insurance broker have periodically revisited this question of coverage for the rink. This has occurred in 2007, 2008 & 2009, 2012. We came close several times (not in board minutes, curiously, but there are email records), but it did not work out until this year. Learning of an impending insurance renewal this February, I requested that the Board make sure to ask the question again. They did, as noted in the Feb 5, 2018 managing board minutes and the CCH-Talk Board Update note.

In July, the board addressed the insurance company’s response, which was that a rink is okay under two conditions: Pay a $14 liability charge and display a “Skate at your own risk” sign. The board consented to these two conditions so that the community could explore the question. 

The logical next step was to bring this to the outdoor circle to regroup on the topic, for input, and to decide on next steps for seeing if this is something the community wanted to do. The question is: Is this something fun to try again this winter? 

The request for time at this full circle was not granted due to the time needed for the important discussion of dynamic governance. If there is enough interest, I propose the Outdoor Circle and anyone interested meet next week to discuss interests and concerns. To answer many of the basic logistical questions, there is an FAQ and some pictures of what the rink looks like (see handouts). 

I am willing to champion a pretty good rink if there is a groundswell of interest. I’d like to do a show of hands to gauge this. Are people generally supportive? Generally opposed? If there is an expression of interest and concerns, let’s meet next week. I’ll set up a few options.

Result: Mostly general support expressed, and some concerns. Will look to meeting times the week of Nov 26 to discuss!

—————

Pretty Good Rink FAQ - Nov 2018 update

To refresh the memories of those who lived here from 2004-2007 and share with those arriving since, here is a slightly revised set of Frequently Asked Questions developed in the context of our three winters of skating fun.

Questions & Answers:

• 1. How will it work?

We use a plastic liner (the “bathtub” approach) to hold the water before and between freezes. We use the freeze proof West End spigot (at unit 108) to periodically refresh the ice surface. We keep the hose and our “home-boni” (manual Zamboni™) in the spine mudroom between uses. We will put up a sign with our rules at the entrance.

• 1. How much is this going to cost?

We still own the rink kit from 2006. The additional water cost is estimated to be between $100 to $130. Our sturdy liner was preserved and patched after the 2006-2007 season.

• 1. Isn’t this a waste of water?

The amount of water required to fill the rink is about 4,000 gallons. This compares to:

• • Water saved last year by having low flush toilets in coho: about 300,000 gallons

  • Water saved in a year if everyone had low flow shower heads: about 700,000 gallons

  • Water saved in a year by 65 adults flushing one less time a day: about 40,000 gallons

  • Number of hamburgers it takes to equal the water consumption of the ice rink: 2

On the whole, we feel it may prove to be a good trade-off environmentally: we hope to keep our community busy with fun, outdoor activities right in our own front yard, substitute healthy activities for screen time for our younger residents, and avoid some driving to and from ice rinks and other activities further from home.

• 1. Who is going to do the work for all of this?

As in the past, a core team of cohousers are enthusiastic and committed to timely set up, maintenance and take down as conditions warrant. As is tradition, those who skate shovel. Our history suggests that even non-skaters can participate by being on patrol to watch for ice on sidewalk, keep rink clear of clutter, and be enthusiastic participants in the festive and fun “barrel toss” that is used to resurface the ice.

• 1. What about safety?

The safety and maintenance rules of previous years were:

• • New skaters/children under a certain age must wear a helmet

  • Tennis ball hockey playing only (no hard puck)

  • Only core rink team members can test the ice during the beginning of the season

  • Support team monitors and immediately addresses any sidewalk ice if discovered

• 1. What about the grass?

Everything we’ve read and experienced in previous years indicate that they have minimal impact on lawns and may actually improve the lawn in the spring. Grass is dormant during the time when the rink will be there, and the ice provides an insulating layer.

• 1. Doesn’t this create a liability issue?

No. Hofeller asked our insurance company about this, and they said there was no problem with the rink in their view. Just as with the play structure, we will need to make it clear to our neighbors that they are welcome to play in our rink when accompanied by cohousing kids, and that they must follow all the same rules that we follow. In Feb 2017, the insurance company agreed to allow a rink under two conditions: Pay a $14 liability charge and display a “Skate at your own risk” sign.

• 1. Wouldn’t it make more sense to build the rink in the glade?

The glade would be a better location in terms of having less exposure to sunshine and being set back from the street. Unfortunately, the glade has too much of a variation in levels for a rink to work there.

• 1. Is there enough cold weather to make this a reasonable thing to do?

We are working on a visualization showing the number of skating days we would have had in the past several years had we had a rink.

To quote Barbara Falla (in the book, “Home Ice: Reflections on Backyard Rinks and Frozen Ponds”) “Anyone can love summer, but to love winter you have to carry your sunshine around with you.”

— Written by Cindy 2004 and revised by Kim and Bob 2018

Notes from the Discussion about the Coho Skating Rink

Held on November 20, 2006

After the last general meeting, we had a follow up meeting to discuss the coho skating rink.  The purpose of the meeting was to have an open exchange of ideas and concerns about the ice skating rink, and it was facilitated by Ben.  The discussion was organized into three general topics: information about the rink, pros and cons, and ideas about improving our approach to building the rink.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that it would be useful to write up the discussion and share it with the rest of the community – thus the document you are holding in your hands. This report was written by John M. and Cindy and Kim D.  All of us would welcome comments, as would other members of an ad hoc group created at the end of the meeting, namely John M., Cindy, Jesse, Kim D., Bob Cowherd, Zissa and Sara Rust.

Some Information about the Rink

·       How it is built:

o   First the sides are put up. The frame needs to be staked into the ground, so this part needs to be done before the ground freezes.

o   Then the heavy plastic liner is put down when there is a prediction of at least a few days of consistent below-freezing weather, and water is poured in.  This kind of weather prediction is needed because the site is south-facing and exposed to a lot of sun.

·       Weather predictions for winter 06-07 - different predictions point in different directions:

§  On 10/18 Acuweather said it would be a colder than average winter in New England.

§  On 11/20 an article in the Boston Globe said that because of El Nino, the northern US would be warmer than usual.

§  The Farmers Almanac predicts one of the coldest winter we’ve seen for quite a few years and is forecasting “unseasonably cold, or ‘shivery,’ conditions”

·       Insurance issues:

o   The Managing Board asked Hofeller to look into our liability if someone was injured while using the rink, and we learned that we are not liable here.

o   However, we may be liable if someone is injured while slipping on ice along the public sidewalks abutting our property.  Water has seeped from the ice rink and created an ice hazard on the sidewalk a couple of times before.

·       Preventing water seepage:

o   Those who use the rink most often are committed to preventing seepage to the sidewalk.

o   If anyone notices water seeping onto the sidewalk, please notify the rink builders ASAP.

·       Funding:

o   Initially the whole cost was born by Cindy and Jesse.

o   In the second year (05-06) there were contributions from various volunteers.

o   In the second year, approval was given by the CLC to the possibility of the CLC funding the rink in future years.

·       Permission from the whole of CoHo for the rink:

o   In the first year (2004-2005), the rink was approved by the general meeting for one year.

o   In the second year (2005-2006), it is not clear if the general meeting that discussed the rink agreed to authorize the rink for all future years.

o   Cindy announced the rink frame work days believing that the rink had coho approval.

·       Environmental concerns:

o   Water usage:

§  Bob estimated that the amount of water required for the rink is 4,000 gallons. This compares to:

o   Plastic used for liner:

§  Not renewable or biodegradable.

§  Rink builders would like to build rink with bumpers and skate guards to reduce risks of liner cuts, and invest in heavy-duty liner that can be re-used for several seasons.  (Note that last year’s liner is being re-used in testing the garage seepage issues.)

Discussion of Pros and Cons

Cons

·       Water usage

·       Plastic usage

·       Wood usage (for frame)

·       It is a LOT of work

·       People who raise environmental issues are concerned about being labeled anti-child

·       People who support the rink are concerned about being labeled anti-environmentalist

·       Clutter in the front yard, especially the walker that stayed in the rink for a long time

·       Litigation risk: both from skaters and from ice on sidewalk

·       Not wanting to see the frame out in the front yard for weeks before it freezes

·       Wasteful/inefficient/not well thought out

·       Some neighbors may think we are better/richer than them, or exclusive

Pros

·       Fun

·       Excitement

·       Pride in our community

·       Magical feeling against winter bleakness

·       Congregation spot during the winter

·       Attracts families with children to the community

·       Part of personal vision of winter in New England

·       Helps to develop lifelong exercise habit

·       Lets people learn/improve ice skating skills

·       Less TV/computer/screen time, and more outside play for kids and adults

·       Fewer drives to rinks/ponds

Ideas about Improving our Approach to Building the Rink

·       Find ways to reduce our community water usage to offset water used for rink:

o   Flushing toilets less frequently (i.e., “if it’s yellow…”)

o   Catching shower water and re-using to flush toilet

o   Catching water in sink and re-using for watering plants

o   Reducing water used in gardening

o   Serving vegetarian community meals

o   Find some way to recycle gray water into the rink

o   Find some way to use Ben’s hot tub water for rink

·       Reducing plastic waster:

o   Using the sturdiest liner available to re-use for several seasons

o   Research possibility of biodegradable plastic liner

·      Create guidelines about when to put up rink frame, when to put in liner, what constitutes a minimum number of predicted days with below-freezing daytime temperatures that are needed before the rink can be set up, when to fill, when to take the rink down for the season.