One Hawkesbury resident thinks the Larocque Park ice rink should have a roof overhead to keep the snow off during winter and encourage more public skating at the neighbourhood park.

Stephen Leighton proposed the addition to the neighbourhood rink on Albert Street to Hawkesbury council during its November session. Leighton has a university degree in physical education and his background includes teaching physical education and sports coaching. He told council that the idea of a roof over the Larocque ice rink during his walks in the neighbourhood.

“I think it would be a worthwhile project,” Leighton said.

He told council that the winter sun keeps softening the ice at one end of the rink, making the open-air rink less attractive and enjoyable for winter recreation. He said an open-air roof would both prevent the sun from softening the ice and also help prevent or reduce the amount of snow that falls on the rink during the day and night or gets blown into the enclosed area during a winter storm. This would reduce the amount of time and work for recreation or public works crews to remove the snow so that residents can usethe rink for skating or hockey.

Council members expressed interest in Leighton’s suggestion. Recreation Director Geneviève Goulet told council that Leighton’s suggestion will be included in a future report to council dealing with suggestions, comments, and recommendations from residents collected during last month’s public open house session on the official community plan and the parks and recreation master plan.