Lane County Commissioners,

We, the undersigned petitioners, are writing with concern regarding the imminent consideration to close the ice rink. It is our understanding that the County, as a result of a recent Ice Center study, has concluded that the refrigeration system poses enough general liability risk as to warrant the closure of the facility immediately.

We ask that you revisit this condition and consider the fact that this facility has operated with the current refrigeration system and concrete slab state for at least the past 8 to 10 years with no immediately risk to the health or safety of its users. To the contrary, the facility has provided a venue for the community to gather together at various activities, provides growth opportunities for youth, and generate significant and measurable economic impact to Lane County.

In this era where opportunities and places for youth to development long term viable life skills continue to diminish, eliminating a facility that has been a proven positive impact on youth seems illogical at best. Even with what we consider to be perceived additional risk, we find that the benefits of continued, well managed, activities generated from this facility will provide a large return on investment in both dollars and community development.

Recognizing the need for an alternative solution long term for the rink as a facility, this community, over the past two years, has begun extensive efforts to find an long term solution to the problems addressed in the report presented to the commissioners. However, the new, significantly shortened timeline to arrive at a solution presents an almost insurmountable problem in allowing our community to continue to deliver its service in the immediate term.

With all of the above considered, we ask that you approve and fund the rink for immediate operation in the upcoming 2010-2011 operating year starting in August 2010. We acknowledge our responsibility to find means to address the issues in the report, but ask that the county partner with the community to ensure the continuity of service that has been delivered to this community for over 20 years.

We thank you for your support and consideration.

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