By Jeff D'Andrea

Paddockwood Arena damaged by intruders:people come forward

Dec 1, 2017 | 7:00 AM

UPDATE: paNOW has learned those believed to be responsible for damage to the Paddockwood Arena ice surface, have come forward. It is understood they have pledged to help with repairs.

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Because of intruders, the Paddockwood Arena is in jeopardy of closing for the season.

On Wednesday close to 6:30 p.m., somebody carved up the ice just 30 minutes after the rink was flooded. The ice was badly damaged as a result. The arena, which runs solely on volunteers, now has a difficult decision to make—whether to start over, try and repair, or close for the year.

On Paddockwood’s Facebook account, village administrator Joan Carriere wrote a post detailing the incident on Thursday afternoon.

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“It’s just discouraging and disheartening that somebody would do this,” Carriere told paNOW. “As you’re flooding, you’re putting an even layer on each time and it’s many, many layers. When you start digging down into those layers, it’s hard to get that filled and kept at a nice, smooth level,” Carriere added. “We can go ahead and start flooding on top of it, but it’s always going to be flawed.”

The damage throws a wrench into the arena’s timeline for making the ice. Because of the delays, the arena may not be able to make the ice by the deadline to receive grant money.

Should the rink be forced to close, it could mean a lot of bored young families in the region. Carriere said the rink is popular, especially among kids.

“It’s kind of a gathering place for the children and the families,” Carriere said. “We’re a small community and we don’t have a lot of winter things for the kids to do. It’s the heart of the community, the hustle and bustle, that’s where you see your neighbours.

“They bring their kids down to skate, or the kids meet up there and they skate afterschool. If you’re looking ‘jeez, where’s the kids?’ Well, they’re at the arena skating.”

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW