The Hastings Area Recreational Complex Advisory Committee has been formed and continues work started toward an ice skating rink and complex for the community to use for recreation and family and business events at Tyden Park for 365 days a year.

 

Proposed by Hastings Councilman Bill Redman, he researched permanent roofed ice rinks and has put the wheels in motion for an ice skating rink on the basketball courts at Tyden Park that could also be used in the summer for tennis and basketball, weddings, reunions, birthday parties, business meetings and, “any other group activity the community wants.”

In the winter, any day it’s below 45 degrees, they can make ice for skating. “I’d like to see a hockey team here,” he said.

 

The total cost is an estimated $6.5 million. Redman has a pledge of $200,000 from an anonymous donor, “when we reach $1 million, there will be another $300, 000,” he said.

 

“We have a lot of hurdles to go over, we have to be incorporated and get 501c3 status,” Redman said. “When we get them back, we can go full bore. This is for all county residents; we’ll hold meetings for the public to let them know this is a county effort; this is yours, too.”

 

After the facility is built, there will be moderate fees to pay for expenses. Every city he visited with an ice rink broke even on expenses, he said. He found there were 100 covered ice rinks in Michigan.

 

The committee will keep the public up on its progress by social media, ads, and the city’s website and public service announcements. Also, they plan on fund raisers and donations. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation may have grants available; if so, those funds will be administered by the City of Hastings. Other funds and donations raised will be administered by the Barry Community Foundation, he said.

 

Committee members are Redman, president; Julie Fox, secretary; Courtney Stonehouse, treasurer; Carl Schoessel, Mike Moyle, Jon Sporer and Travis Alden.