Recreation Supervisor Paul Blake addressed the issue of the roller hockey rinks at Community Park, a subject which became the focal point of conflict at the last board meeting and in letters, as noted on page one of last week's issue. While former Trustee Eileen Collins was not present at the meeting, and a formal appology was not forthcoming from the board in her absence for the content of Trustee Jenkins' letter to Collins, Blake paved the way for constructive discussion about the plans to improve the facilities. During a break in the meeting while the board was out in Executive Session, the conversation among residents was full of questions about the rinks and the bubble, but following the board's return and Blake's discussion all questions were apparently answered, as no one rose during the open portion at the end of the meeting.

A new fence and gates are being installed on one of the roller hockey rinks and rubber padding is being placed on the existing fence on the first rink where the gate sits. PVC strips are being placed on the gates behind where the goal is, which is only designed to be opened for snow removal. Blake also noted that aluminum fence ties and nylon cable ties will be installed. All of the boards will be reinstalled so that they are even at the top and they are in the process of closing any gaps between them with small plastic t-strips.

As for the street ice surface, Blake said that four to five days of weather above 50 degrees would be required to redo the surface. When this is possible the department will go back and readdress the spots where the surface did not adhere properly. He noted that there is no deep gouging effect and there is no threat to the safety of anyone interested in using the rink. Rink one should be reopened for use within a week. The recreation department has also contacted Bell Atlantic about installing a pay phone by the rinks.

Regrading of the surface at the tennis bubble is being done and the courts should be reopened this week. The contractor wants to roll them himself, and the department plans to do a follow-up roll itself. Blake noted that with Har-True surfaces, they tend to be soft when first put down, but harden with rolling and proper treatment.