Ice skating rink project study continues

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 485, 11 May 1993, Page 15 (Supplement)

Ice skating rink project study continues

BY

Dennis

Beytagh

The Ohakune ice rink project received a boost last week when a feasibility report, commissioned by King Country Energy was received from a Hamilton-based consultant engineer whose knowledge of ice rinks was acquired during his many years in Canada. This comprehensive report, which also sets out a practical step-by-step procedure aimed at having this recreational/sporting facility available iii Ohakune as soon as possible confirms, in detail, much of the preliminary research undertaken locally including two surveys of potential use of an allweather ice rink and multi-use recreational complex in Ohakune. A full size ice rink such as is envisaged (26 x 61m/1586 sq metre) will, according to international guide-lines, accommodate "a mixed group of about 650 recreational skaters" at any one time. This means that an all-weather ice rink

could if necessary - say when the skifields are closed - provide for between 3000 and 4000 skaters per day in five or six 2-hour sessions. In addition to recreational skating, the rink would also be used for speed skating, competitive events such as icehockey, broomball and curling as well as for the staging of ice shows and skating demonstrations. With seating for up to 1500 spectators the planned multi-use building can be transformed within a matter of hours from a ice rink into a stadium for other indoor sports such as soccer, tennis, netball and basketball. It could also be used for the staging of concerts, conventions, exhibitions, equestrian events, rodeos and even stock shows ... all under cover. Because of its central North Island location Ohakune is ideally placed to attract visitors to such a unique and versatile multi-use recreational sporting and entertainment centre par-

ticularly when the facility is guaranteed whatever the weather. Being on or near the major public transport routes through the middle of the North Island (including the Main Trunk Railway Line and New Zealand Road Services) also makes for easy access to and from Ohakune. Final costings for the construction and operation of this facility haven't yet been completed but preliminary estimates of skater usage alone (see above figures) indicate that because of its high volume it would be a very sound business investment and could pay for itself within 1-3 years. As soon as the final costings are confirmed, funding will be sought from a variety of sources and it is hoped that local business, ski and tramping clubs with lodges on and around Mt Ruapehu, the hospitality industry and others most likely to benefit from such an amenity in Ohakune will seize the opportunity to invest before funds are

sought from further afield. By seeking funding first from ' local' investors control over the operation of this multiuse amenity will remain largely within the regional community so that the very substantial profits expected within a few years can be ploughed back into additional sporting and recreational amenities such as much-needed covered and heated swimming pools, 10pin bowling facilities, mini-golf ranges etc that will provide for permanent residents and visitors alike. The questionnaire currently being circulated throughout the district asks for comments and suggestions and many of those questionnaires which have already been returned have indicated that these additional facilities (above) would be welcomed by local residents. Surveys The first survey, conducted during the 1992 ski season, was aimed specifically at winter

visitors over Labour Day weekend. A total of 566 questionnaires were completed representing 2043 individuals and other family members. Even with this limited sampling - the average number of skiers on the two major skifields on any weekend day is between 7500 and 8000 - this survey indicated that in some of the five or six daily ice skating sessions, the numbers of skaters wishing to use the ice rink would (depending on whether the skifields were 'Open' or 'Closed') greatly exceed the limit of "about 650" per session. The second survey, currently being circulated, is aimed at finding out what use the ice rink would get from permanent residents of the Waiouru, Waimarino, National Park/Whakapapa Village and local rural areas not only during the ski season but also during the rest of the year. To date, 87 of these questionnaires have

been completed and returned (40 from Ohakune, 23 from Waiouru, 15 from National Park/Whakapapa and 9 from Raetihi) representing 139 adult family or household members and 128 children, a total of 267 recreational skaters so far. Many of these have indicated they would be multiple users most indicating they would probably use the rink at least two or three times a week or between six and 100 times each year, with some saying they would use such an amenity, if it were here in Ohakune, in excess of 100 times a year. But so far these are only preliminary results from the first returns received and before a more accurate estimate of potential use by the local community can be assessed many more questionnaires must be completed and returned. So if you haven't already filled in your questionnaire (every household in the Waiouru, Waimarino and National

Park areas should have received one in their letterbox two weeks ago) please do so as soon as possible and hand it in to one of the collection points listed below. There have been a few problems with distribution so, if you didn't receive a questionnaire, extra copies can be obtained from the following collection points: Ohakune: Berry's Bookshop, New World, Ruapehu College, Ohakune Primary School. Raetihi: McLeans Bookshop, Ruapehu District Council Service Centre and Post Office, Raetihi Primary School. Waiouru: Turners Bookshop, Shell Service Station, Main Road Community Centre Four Square, Waiouru Primary School. National Park Whakapapa Village: Parklands (BP) Service Station, National Park Store, National Park School, Whakapapa Village Store, RAL Headquarters, Iwikau Village.