The Knoxville City Council approved a request from the Junior Chamber Board at their meeting Monday to build an ice skating rink in the city. Several Junior Chamber members were in attendance at the meeting and they, along with their sponsor Chamber of Commerce Board Member Dick Reed, made a proposal to open an ice rink on the infield of Young’s Park. Reed stated that he, City Manager Dick Schrad and Public Works Director Jeff May have spoke with other cities about the best way to build the rink and the city’s only obligation is having the lights on while the rink is open. Schrad says it will be a timely process but should be a great addition to the city.

The Junior Chamber will be responsible for making sure there is adult supervision at all times and also plans to have warming areas and concessions available for purchase.

The set up process began yesterday as the public works department sandbagged the infield of the Young’s Park softball field and the Knoxville Fire Department sprayed down the area to begin the first layer of ice. Public Works Director Jeff May says they’re unsure how many layers it will take before the rink can be used but it will take some time for it to set. City Manager Dick Schrad says the goal is to have the ice rink ready in time for youth to be able to enjoy it during their winter break from school.

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