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Thursday, 17 July 2008 |
City officials willing to investigate hockey rink
By WILLIAM LANEY
Managing Editor
A group of Wapakoneta youngsters are seeking a place to call their own so they can play rollerblade hockey, a concerned parent says.
Wa-pakoneta resident Jason Neumeier, whose son and other area youth play roller hockey in Lima and practice in his driveway, approached Wapakoneta City Recreation Board members about establishing a place for the youngsters and adults to play. In order to play, a large paved surface, such as a basketball court or tennis court area, is needed as well as plywood boards, netting and fencing.
Wapakoneta City Recreation Director Jack Hayzlett said he favored examining the possibility of providing another recreational opportunity.
“I think it is a good idea for us to investigate,” Hayzlett told the Wapakoneta Daily News. “Actually, a couple of years ago, we had that as an option around a couple of basketball courts (at Veterans’ Memorial Park) when we developed plans for the skate park.
“We looked into it, but we didn’t find much interest in it at the time,” he said. “I do know it is big over at Celina and also in Lima, so I don’t have any problem investigating it and working to determine if it is something we can afford to do.”
Hayzlett said he would hope local businesses or groups would step forward to help with the organization and costs.
Neumeier said after having 12 youths play roller hockey this past weekend in his driveway that the time had come to approach city leaders about taking the next step.
“There are lot of kids who don’t play baseball or can’t play baseball, but there are a lot of kids who like to skate,” Neumeier said. “We have the skate park, but I would like to see if there isn’t any way we can find an area to play roller hockey.
“I would eventually like to see if we couldn’t get a roller hockey league started in Wapak,” he said. “They have one in Celina, which is a winter one and it is held indoors, and the Lima program is held during the summer and is outdoors. I simply am proposing we find something outdoors because it is something to do and it is great exercise.”
Neumeier said boards are needed for a 40- by 80-foot “hockey rink” area, or the size of approximately four tennis courts.
Safety-Service Director Rex Katterheinrich suggested possibly developing areas at Centennial Elementary School or the basketball court at Veterans Memorial Park.
Wapakoneta City Recreation Board members recalled considering roller hockey, but liability issues caused concerns and they believed Harvest Baptist Church permitted play in its church parking lot.
Board members recommended Hayzlett meet with local proprietor Jim Smith, who owns Insta-Shade, about costs for fencing and if old fencing is available,, and to meet with Neumeier at Veterans Memorial Park to determine a possible area for roller hockey. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 18 July 2008 )
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