Tuesday, December 14, 2010
ANYONE CAN SKATE
And if you don't believe me, just come to the rink. You'll see little kids, big kids, parents and grandparents. If you don't think you can skate, leave me a comment or drop a line to rink @ bartal.com (take out the extra spaces), and we'll set up a friendly lesson for you. I'm certainly no expert, but I LOVE to teach beginners.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
My letter to the editor
What follows is a letter that I sent to The Suburbanite (our local paper) in November, responding to their editorial which called for replacement of the rink with a "community center." It was published in its entirety, and I received a number of comments from folks who, previously, had no idea that this situation existed.
It's kind of long, but worth reading to get some background along with a feel for the fight we're up against.
This letter is a response to your editorial (“Our View”, November 5, 2009 and some of the comments quoted in the Article, “Master Plan talk becomes heated”, November 5, 2009).
There is a lot of misunderstanding about the ice skating rink in Englewood (the John T. Wright Arena). What follows is a fact sheet that I sent, prior to the meeting, to each member of the Planning Board and to your reporter, edited to make it relevant to the above cited articles.
While the current operator of the skating rink has made little effort to promote the skating facility to Englewood residents, there is considerable interest from community members in continuing and expanding the recreational skating, figure skating and ice hockey programs. The programs could exist as a part of the Recreation department’s programming, as part of the Public School curriculum or as stand-alone entities. Funding and operational support for these programs is available from outside agencies, as outlined below, and it would be a mistake not to examine these possibilities fully.
My comments to the Planning Board are mischaracterized in your article. What I said to the Board, among other things, is that the wording in the Draft Master Plan does not even consider that the Arena could continue to be used as an ice skating rink, and I found that to be highly prejudicial, especially considering that the City has commissioned a study, which has not yet been concluded, concerning possible uses for the facility. Further, I was assured by Mr. Albert that the company conducting this study would be contacting me for my comments. As of today, I have not yet been contacted.
The concept of a community center has been discussed in Englewood for as long as anyone can remember. A few years ago, Michael Shannon headed an independent study group which examined in depth the various ideas that had been presented, comparing them with existing plans in neighboring towns. The inescapable conclusion of this study was that without adequate funding and meticulous attention to programming, the construction of a building called a “community center” is a greatly misguided effort. When Mr. Shannon appeared at a City Council meeting to make his planned, scheduled 30-minute presentation, the Council informed him that his time would be limited to ten minutes. One has to question the motivation of the Council in this move.
At subsequent meetings of the City Council, when the subject of a community center is raised, and the question of programming is raised, the ubiquitous answers are “Basketball” and “Video Games.” In your article, a resident is quoted as suggesting that a community center should offer GED classes and lectures.
There are dozens of basketball courts already in Englewood, both indoor and outdoor. Members of the Board of Education and school administrators have repeatedly stated that the gym facilities in the public school buildings could be made available to a Recreation Department sponsored basketball program. Likewise, there are numerous facilities already available in Englewood for lectures – the Public Library, the auditoriums at the Public Schools, Englewood Hospital and Bergen PAC, to name a few. As for GED classes, this was traditionally a function of the Adult School program of the Public School system. I understand that funding for that program has been seriously curtailed in recent years, but if there is no funding to do it in the existing structures, where would the funding come from to do it in a new building?
Mr. Caviness is quoted as saying,” Those kids who are outside McDonald’s or Wendy’s at 11p.m. do not play ice hockey. The National Hockey League has offered its full support in establishing a fully subsidized program for Englewood youth to learn and participate in the sport.
As for the noise problem raised by Mr. Caviness, this could be easily remedied by placing additional sound dampening material around the arena, and limiting the use of the goal horn and music to daytime hours. The same would be true no matter what program or structure was running at the site.
For youth not interested in hockey, Sharon Cohen, the founding director of Figure Skating in Harlem, has pledged her support in starting a similar program in Englewood.
Certainly, during a generous percentage of the after-school time and a larger percentage of the school-hours time, the Arena could be made available to the community for operations of a public school skating program and for a public school hockey program. Interest in these programs has been expressed by Board of Education members and by school administrators, teachers and students.
In addition to the direct income from skating operations, a proper promotion of the Arena could bring other benefits to the City. Alone or in conjunction with other area rinks, Englewood could host tournaments and other events which would bring tourists to our shopping district and hotels, as well as favorable press coverage.
There is widespread support in the community for continued skating programs. The current participants come from every ward and from every ethnicity and from every income level. A City Council meeting last spring brought out overwhelming approval.
In the late spring and summer months, the concrete surface of the rink could well be used for other activities. There is interest from the community in establishing a roller skate and skateboard park. The facility could also be used in the summer for indoor basketball and other community events.
While the Arena would certainly benefit from some long-neglected maintenance, it should be understood that it is currently in operation, is fully rented, and is earning money for the operators.
In conclusion, any action by the City of Englewood to replace the skating rink with a community center is, like your editorial calling for them to do so, is premature, ill advised and does not take into consideration many of the facts of the situation.
It's kind of long, but worth reading to get some background along with a feel for the fight we're up against.
This letter is a response to your editorial (“Our View”, November 5, 2009 and some of the comments quoted in the Article, “Master Plan talk becomes heated”, November 5, 2009).
There is a lot of misunderstanding about the ice skating rink in Englewood (the John T. Wright Arena). What follows is a fact sheet that I sent, prior to the meeting, to each member of the Planning Board and to your reporter, edited to make it relevant to the above cited articles.
While the current operator of the skating rink has made little effort to promote the skating facility to Englewood residents, there is considerable interest from community members in continuing and expanding the recreational skating, figure skating and ice hockey programs. The programs could exist as a part of the Recreation department’s programming, as part of the Public School curriculum or as stand-alone entities. Funding and operational support for these programs is available from outside agencies, as outlined below, and it would be a mistake not to examine these possibilities fully.
My comments to the Planning Board are mischaracterized in your article. What I said to the Board, among other things, is that the wording in the Draft Master Plan does not even consider that the Arena could continue to be used as an ice skating rink, and I found that to be highly prejudicial, especially considering that the City has commissioned a study, which has not yet been concluded, concerning possible uses for the facility. Further, I was assured by Mr. Albert that the company conducting this study would be contacting me for my comments. As of today, I have not yet been contacted.
The concept of a community center has been discussed in Englewood for as long as anyone can remember. A few years ago, Michael Shannon headed an independent study group which examined in depth the various ideas that had been presented, comparing them with existing plans in neighboring towns. The inescapable conclusion of this study was that without adequate funding and meticulous attention to programming, the construction of a building called a “community center” is a greatly misguided effort. When Mr. Shannon appeared at a City Council meeting to make his planned, scheduled 30-minute presentation, the Council informed him that his time would be limited to ten minutes. One has to question the motivation of the Council in this move.
At subsequent meetings of the City Council, when the subject of a community center is raised, and the question of programming is raised, the ubiquitous answers are “Basketball” and “Video Games.” In your article, a resident is quoted as suggesting that a community center should offer GED classes and lectures.
There are dozens of basketball courts already in Englewood, both indoor and outdoor. Members of the Board of Education and school administrators have repeatedly stated that the gym facilities in the public school buildings could be made available to a Recreation Department sponsored basketball program. Likewise, there are numerous facilities already available in Englewood for lectures – the Public Library, the auditoriums at the Public Schools, Englewood Hospital and Bergen PAC, to name a few. As for GED classes, this was traditionally a function of the Adult School program of the Public School system. I understand that funding for that program has been seriously curtailed in recent years, but if there is no funding to do it in the existing structures, where would the funding come from to do it in a new building?
Mr. Caviness is quoted as saying,” Those kids who are outside McDonald’s or Wendy’s at 11p.m. do not play ice hockey. The National Hockey League has offered its full support in establishing a fully subsidized program for Englewood youth to learn and participate in the sport.
Hockey is for Everyone provides support and unique programming to non-profit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey. The initiative is supported by NHL member clubs, players, NHL alumni, and fans. To date, Hockey is for Everyone has exposed close to 45,000 boys and girls to unique hockey experiences.
As for the noise problem raised by Mr. Caviness, this could be easily remedied by placing additional sound dampening material around the arena, and limiting the use of the goal horn and music to daytime hours. The same would be true no matter what program or structure was running at the site.
For youth not interested in hockey, Sharon Cohen, the founding director of Figure Skating in Harlem, has pledged her support in starting a similar program in Englewood.
Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) is a pioneering not-for-profit organization that provides girls ages 6-18 with vital educational and skating opportunities that build self-worth and promote physical well being and academic achievement. Our on and off-ice classes teach perseverance, responsibility, teamwork and leadership in a safe and positive environment.USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating founded STAR (Serving The American Rinks), and industry association that provides, among other things, assistance in establishing skating programs and successful rink operations.
Serving The American Rinks (STAR) is a membership organization for rink owners, operators, and vendors. STAR was formed in 2000 by a joint venture between U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey to help service the industry needs of facilities in the United States. The rinks in the U.S. are the backbone of their membership. Recognizing that one does not succeed without the other, both National Governing Bodies continue to support STAR and the rink industry.There is no reason why the Arena cannot be both a community success and a financial success. Ice rentals in Northern New Jersey are approximately $350 per hour. The current operator’s largest customer was, last year, paying a discounted rate of $320 per hour. The ice surface is fully rented from approximately 3pm to midnight Monday through Friday, and more than that on weekends. The current renters include high-school teams from as near as Tenafly and as far as Parsippany. The Arena is also used by an active private league, many of whose skaters are Englewood residents. Additionally there are several figure skaters who use the Arena regularly and the dozens of families who skate on weekends. Visiting skaters and their families spend money in Englewood stores.
Certainly, during a generous percentage of the after-school time and a larger percentage of the school-hours time, the Arena could be made available to the community for operations of a public school skating program and for a public school hockey program. Interest in these programs has been expressed by Board of Education members and by school administrators, teachers and students.
In addition to the direct income from skating operations, a proper promotion of the Arena could bring other benefits to the City. Alone or in conjunction with other area rinks, Englewood could host tournaments and other events which would bring tourists to our shopping district and hotels, as well as favorable press coverage.
There is widespread support in the community for continued skating programs. The current participants come from every ward and from every ethnicity and from every income level. A City Council meeting last spring brought out overwhelming approval.
In the late spring and summer months, the concrete surface of the rink could well be used for other activities. There is interest from the community in establishing a roller skate and skateboard park. The facility could also be used in the summer for indoor basketball and other community events.
While the Arena would certainly benefit from some long-neglected maintenance, it should be understood that it is currently in operation, is fully rented, and is earning money for the operators.
In conclusion, any action by the City of Englewood to replace the skating rink with a community center is, like your editorial calling for them to do so, is premature, ill advised and does not take into consideration many of the facts of the situation.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
BIG MEETING MONDAY NIGHT
I sent out email to all the "friends" about this, and it occurred to me (OK, it was pointed out to me) that some of you don't know where these schools are, so how are you supposed to get to the meeting?
So, here's a map showing:
A) McCloud (Cleveland) School (the location of the meeting)
B) Liberty School (the other subject of the meeting)
C) The Rink
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE SKATING RINK
********************************************************************************
Dear Friend of the Skating Rink -
The future of our skating rink in Mackay park is very much in jeopardy. Last year the City hired a consulting company to help determine the future use of the rink and Liberty School (located at the monument). As part of the consultant's contract, they are holding a public hearing this Monday.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that we get as many supporters of the rink as possible to this meeting. Please come. Bring your kids. Bring your friends. Bring your voices. Bring your signs.
If we ignore the rink, it may very well go away. We MUST make ourselves heard.
If you have any questions at all, please call or email.
Phil Vogel
201-567-1343
phillip@bartal.com
The meeting is 7:00 pm Monday, April 12 at the McCloud School (formerly Cleveland School) 325 Tenafly Road, Englewood, NJ
--- This is the announcement sent out by the City Council ---
----------------------------------------
A Message to all Englewood Residents - we need as much public input as possible (please forward)
On April 12, 2010 at 7 pm the City of Englewood will hold a public hearing on the future uses of Liberty School (Russell Majors Liberty School) and the Englewood Skating Rink in Mackay Park. Public Hearing will be held at McCloud School - 325 Tenafly Road (formerly called Cleveland School)
The purpose of the hearing is to obtain as much public input as possible regarding the future of these two buildings. The agenda for the hearing is attached.
The City of Englewood has engaged the firm of Phillips Preiss Grygiel, LLC of Hoboken, New Jersey to study Liberty School and the Skating Rink, to provide an analysis of the existing conditions of the buildings, generate potential uses for each facility and to assess each use and make recommendations to the governing body. Their work requires a forum to engage the public and gather the broadest input from the public.
The hearing will include a brief overview of the study by Richard Preiss, the principal planner for the project, a question and answer period to address questions from the public and a public comment period for the public to have input into the issues raised and the alternatives for the future building uses.
The study of the Liberty School and the Skating Rink is a critical step in determining the future of the two buildings and will ultimately impact the surrounding areas, the downtown, as well as the whole City.We hope to see you on April 12th. We look forward to your participation in the public hearing.
--- This is the Agenda for Monday's meeting ---
RUSSELL C. MAJOR LIBERTY SCHOOL AND JOHN T. WRIGHT ARENA ADAPTIVE REUSE STUDY
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING AGENDA
Monday, April 12, 2010
- Introduction - Richard Preiss, Phillips Preiss Grygiel
- Major Issues/Points of View Identified from Stakeholder Interviews - Paul Ricci, Phillips Preiss Grygiel
- Potential Reuses for Each Facility as Identified by Stakeholders - Paul Ricci, Phillips Preiss Grygiel
- Existing Conditions of the Liberty School and Wright Arena - Fradkin & McAlpin Associates
- General Floor Plans for Potential Adaptive Reuses of Each Facility - Fradkin & McAlpin Associates
- Questions from the Public
- Public Input and Comment Period
- Summary and Recap - Richard Preiss, Phillips Preiss Grygiel Associates
- Distribution of Short Survey
- Next Steps - Richard Preiss, Phillips Preiss Grygiel Associates
- Incorporation of Public Comments
- Preparation of Recommendations and Report
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
One Way to Deal With City Hall
Here's how one guy chose to deal with his city officials. Now I'm not suggesting that we do the same, but...
Monday, January 11, 2010
Our Rink is in Jeopardy
As many of you know, the John T. Wright Arena (that's the official name of our ice skating rink) in Mackay Park in Englewood is in jeopardy of being closed. I have put up this blog as a place to keep rink supporters informed of the situation as it develops and to solicit your support in keeping the rink alive.
I invite you to get involved, be involved and stay involved. Your comments are ALWAYS welcome.
All the best,
Phillip
I invite you to get involved, be involved and stay involved. Your comments are ALWAYS welcome.
All the best,
Phillip
Why aren't there more black hockey players?
Willie O’Ree is the Jackie Robinson of hockey. Breaking the color barrier, he played his first game for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958. In an interview celebrating the 50th anniversary of this event, Willie said:
Mr. O’Ree is currently the National Hockey League’s Director of Youth Development and the hockey ambassador to NHL Diversity, a major component of the league's “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative. The NHL diversity program has pledged its support for programs in Englewood.
...but everybody says, “Well, why aren’t there more black players?” You have to take into consideration the geographical – where you’re born. I mean I was born in Canada. I had the availability of Ice every day. I skated to school. There were ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks that you could skate on.
The more rinks that are going to be constructed - it’s going to make it possible for more kids to get that opportunity.
Hockey’s a very unique sport. I mean, you could take a basketball and you could even dribble in this room; you could take a soccer ball and kick it around; you could take a football and make some passes. But hockey, you need to get on the ice. You need to develop your skills that are on the ice. And if you don’t get on the ice, you won’t become a hockey player.
I predict that there’s going to be more – not only black players, but players of color coming into the league in the upcoming years.
Mr. O’Ree is currently the National Hockey League’s Director of Youth Development and the hockey ambassador to NHL Diversity, a major component of the league's “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative. The NHL diversity program has pledged its support for programs in Englewood.
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