Published on January 15, 2021

In late 2020 a small group of Cape Elizabeth residents determined that given the continued restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, that a creative antidote was needed.  The solution, a “reliable, community-scale, outdoor ice-skating surface for ALL types of skaters.”

Organizers, Sam and Maureen Sezak, Chris and Melissa Hooper, Jay and Kate Brandeis, envisioned providing the community with a rink that could benefit everyone not only during the pandemic, but beyond.  While the group hopes to build a future rink at a permanent location, the desire to offer the community with an immediate ice rink for the current winter season prompted the group to breakdown their goals into two phases.

Having received approval from the Town for Phase One, the group contributed $6000 of their own funds to purchase materials for the rink currently located behind Town Hall.  The remaining expenses for Phase One were reached through a GoFundMe campaign.  The fundraising goal, set a $25,000, was reached within a matter of weeks with over one hundred donors making donations.  The group hopes that the successful roll-out of the first phase will serve as a demonstration to the Town and residents that a longer-term project set out in Phase Two could be a viable endeavor.

Phase Two envisions repurposing much of the material from the first phase and adding a large refrigerated ice sheet, boards and glass, hockey benches, warming hut, bathrooms, roof, and a zamboni. While a permanent site has not been decided upon, Gull Crest is currently being considered.  The group’s GoFundMe campaign will continue to raise funds for this future phase.

In the meantime, Phase One is complete and accessible to the community, conditions permitting. More information about the project, ice skating hours, and reservations can be found on the rink’s Facebook page.