|
|
Craig Alvey is hoping for frosty weather this Sunday, Dec. 11 so residents can partake in a spin around the newly opened winter skating rink at Peter Igo Park.
“There is nothing like skating outside in the cold,” he said of the latest addition to the 17.5-acre land parcel undergoing transformation into a recreational and fitness park. “It will be a great place for kids and families to enjoy a some time in the winter getting exercise and just having fun.”
The rink will be unveiled and officially open to the public at a 3 p.m. event during which an 18-foot Christmas tree will be illuminated.
“We expect we’ll have some little start up hockey players and skaters who will enjoy this all winter,” said Bud Duksta of the Marshfield Tennis Club whose members spearhead the Peter Igo Park Initiative.
Nestled on the corner of Marshall Avenue and Dyke Road (Route 139) the park is being restored with the assistance of sports enthusiasts, businesses and neighbors in the town.
“We believe very much in a neighborhood taking ownership of a project like this,” said Duksta. “Many people have been very generous and we always welcome people who would like to get involved, donate in-kind services or make contributions.”
The festivities are another opportunity residents to enjoy outdoor activities in a pleasant and safe neighborhood setting. A Christmas tree given by Steve Lambert of Haymarket South will be adorned with holiday lights donated by Lowe’s in Pembroke. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served as Christmas music and the sounds winter fun fill the air, according to Duksta.
“Eventually we will turn this town owned facility into a true multi-use fitness destination,” he said. Plans include a multi-purpose paved area for activities like hockey, inline skating, lacrosse, and tennis courts (regulation and 10 and under). Traditional playground fixtures and swing sets will compliment a play area and nearby picnic grove.
Currently, visitors enjoy the river walk and access to Green River for stand-up paddling, kayaking and canoing. The skating rink being installed by Game On Sports of Marshfield is the latest set up offering outdoor fitness activity.
According to Duksta, the rink will be assembled each winter for the season with a liner, paneling and three inches of water. “It can be easily maintained by the people who use it,” he said adding that the ice surface will be dependent on the weather and to be used all season it will require simple shoveling.
“What a great place to go with kids right in the neighborhood instead of the movies or somewhere it costs a lot of money. This is right nearby – and it’s free!”
Alvey said that since efforts at Peter Igo Park have begun there has been much positive feedback from neighbors and residents.
“Our primary goal is to spearhead this project and provide some leadership so that the area becomes a destination for people to enjoy, get exercise and take advantage of their surroundings,” he said. “It has never been more important to promote fitness and health. We want to be sure it is done right in our neighborhoods. We want people to know this is a place to come and enjoy. Take a walk, play a game, or have a sandwich.”
As certified tennis instructor with the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Duksta said, “It is well known that everything related to fitness, whether it is practice or purely instructional, has to be sprinkled with fun.”
Duksta hopes Sunday’s holiday events at the park will commence a winter season of outdoor fun and play for Marshfield residents.
“In the end, it is a beautiful place for a community gathering,” he said. “We are happy every time more people find out about what we are doing and want to join us. We are grateful for everyone’s involvement and know how much this means to the neighborhood.”
Follow Len and Leslie Marma of Success! Real Estate on their facebook business page, “Marshfield Matters” ….. click LIKE to receive real estate info and what’s happening in Marshfield.
