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What, or who, is Nantucket ice?
Nantucket Ice is a non-profit organization with a 501 (c) 3 designation, founded in 1995 by a group of local residents whose mission is to build and endow the first year-round community skating rink on Nantucket Island. The purpose of this facility is to promote a healthy recreational environment where Nantucket children, adults and families can gather to enjoy the sport of ice-skating and develop a strong sense of community.
The rink will be a multi-purpose facility, providing a healthy recreational alternative, for people of all ages, especially our youth and families. The Nantucket Ice facility will be built on a 4-acre parcel of property located at 26 First Way and within walking distance from all public schools.
This is a critical time in our campaign. The organization has set a goal to raise a total of $5.5 million to meet the construction costs of the project, which will include the facility, the access road, and all studies and surveys that may be required. The organization is also committed to raising an additional $1 million for a privately funded endowment that will be used to help cover operating costs until the rink is fully self-supporting. This endowment will be used to ensure that all local families will have access to our programs, regardless of their financial circumstances. To date, Nantucket Ice has raised $3.5 million and our objective is to raise the final $2 million by September 1999.
Does Nantucket want a rink? Has a survey determined the need?
Actually, two surveys have been conducted: as the new high school was being planned, students were asked to identify what athletic facility was needed, and the response was overwhelmingly for an ice rink (despite this, an indoor pool, a proven asset to the town, was built). Additionally, we surveyed 500 local residents: 96% of them supported the construction of the rink; 65% had children who would participate in skating programs.
Why does this community 'need' a skating rink?
The construction of a year-round ice skating facility will enable children and adults to learn and enjoy the sport of ice-skating. The rink will provide a facility for the youth and adult hockey leagues, as well as provide the Nantucket Public Schools with a facility to conduct their physical education programs and junior and varsity level hockey programs for both boys and girls. Nantucket Ice will organize and run summer hockey and figure skating camps, provide adult and family recreational skating, provide learn-to-skate programs at all skill levels. We have already begun to develop partnerships with local organizations such as Nantucket Roller Hockey, the Nantucket Big Brother Big Sister program, The Saltmarsh Senior Center, the Nantucket Special Olympics program, and the Department of Human Services, in conjunction with their "Healthy Communities" program that is funded by the State of Massachusetts. Nantucket Ice will collaborate with these organizations to develop and fund programs with the assistance of grant money. Scholarships and discounts will be available to children, families, and organizations that meet certain financial criteria.
Winters on Nantucket can be pretty bleak for children. It is a time of high risk, when youngsters left with too much idle time, often choose dangerous alternative behaviors. Today's world offers our children too much stress, too many temptations and too many idle hours, especially when both parents are working. In a letter written on our behalf by Doctor Timothy J. Lepore, Medical Director of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Nantucket School Committee Member, Dr. Lepore summarized the need and role of the Nantucket community. "As isolated as we are, our young people (especially teenagers), find six months of winter very long and boring. With too much time on their hands and very little to do, our youth are less likely to find themselves in trouble if we can provide additional outlets for their interests and energy. An ice rink that could provide opportunities for ice hockey and figure skating for the entire family could be a great way to bring families closer together in addition to providing a popular interscholastic sport."
Indeed, it is the firm belief of the volunteers of Nantucket Ice that boys and girls who are active in sports and recreational activities feel greater confidence, self esteem, and pride in themselves. They take part in positive social and personal behaviors, they perform better in school, and they develop the confidence to say "no" to inappropriate and harmful activities. During quiet winter months, Nantucket parents struggle to keep their children involved in activities and agonize over the fact that their children are missing recreational and educational opportunities that mainland children are experiencing. Nantucket families cannot drive to the next town to see a movie, bowl or ice skate. And, Nantucket is the only county in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that does not have a skating rink.
Will a skating rink bring an end to the alcohol and substance abuse problem on the island?
Of course not, however, during the period from 1993 - 1995, the number of hospital discharges related to substance abuse addiction on Nantucket was 83, the number of individuals seeking treatment was 62, and the number attending weekly AA meetings was 23 (Indicators of Substance Abuse in Massachusetts, 1955, Mass State Needs Assessment Project, Health and Addictions Research, Inc., February 1998.) The dramatic impact of this information is not realized until you recognize that Nantucket's substance abuse case numbers are the second highest in the list of 16 other Massachusetts towns with comparable year-round populations. In addition, a report published by The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, fiscal year 1997, shows the Cape & Islands to have a substance abuse treatment admittance rate for alcohol and marijuana use as high as larger Massachusetts urban communities such as Quincy and Fall River. The Cape & Islands heroin and needle use is also documented in this same report to be 50% of these same urban areas quite compelling when you factor in that Nantucket is only one of three "rural" counties in the State of Massachusetts.(Notes for Facts about the Rural Population of the United States, US Government Statistics Office.
Giving our young and older citizens another alternative to destructive personal behavior is one reason so many supporters are committed to Nantucket Ice. A skating rink that offers a variety of programs such as hockey, figure skating, speed skating, learn-to-skate programs and ice dancing can only enhance the overall mental and physical health of our entire island community.
How much money have you raised to date?
We are pleased to report that our capital campaign is alive and well, as we continue soliciting major gifts and corporate sponsors. This spring we received a generous major gift in the amount of $400,000 from the Tupancy-Harris Foundation, which brings their total pledge amount to $500,000. This is the largest gift Nantucket Ice has received from any foundation or donor to date.
In addition, Nantucket Ice has initiated a final fund-raising appeal in honor of A. J. Mleczko. For more information regarding how you can participate, click the A. J. Mleczko Building Fund tab on this website.
And, finally, our recent newsletters continue to stimulate donor giving on the grass roots level. The March 1999 newsletter is directly related to raising $22,000 in contributions to building our rink.
In June 1999, we announced that the Nantucket Ice building campaign had passed the $3.5 million mark!
What about the cost? Can it pay for itself?
Yes, we anticipate that the facility will generate adequate revenue to
meet its expenses. A detailed analysis and projection of the facility's
stabilized income (revenue once the facility is fully operational) and expenses
has been developed to demonstrate the building's capacity to be self-supporting.
We based our projected figures on comparable budgets from the Martha's Vineyard
Arena and other New England rinks. Additional revenue-generating potential
exists from renting the facility in the rink's off-season for increasingly
popular crafts and trade shows, concerts and other public and private functions.
These events, which will comply with the noise and traffic regulations of
the town, will help fill local inns and restaurants.
Click on the graphs below for full-page projected-income
and -expense pie charts.
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Expense Graph |
So, the town will not ultimately inherit this facility and its debt? The rink will not become a burden to the taxpayer?
No. Nantucket Ice is committed to raising the necessary capital funds needed from private donors and keeping the facility independent of the town. Our project analysis demonstrates that the facility will be self-supporting, and we are confident that this community needs and wants this rink. Additionally, there will be no long-term debts associated with this project.
When and how can I contribute to Nantucket Ice?
If you would like to make a gift and/or pledge to Nantucket Ice, checks may be sent to Nantucket Ice, Box 3155, Nantucket, MA 02584. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how you might demonstrate your support, both financial and other, for a community skating rink. Please call us at (508)228-2516.
Is my contribution tax-deductible? Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Because Nantucket Ice is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, gifts are tax deductible to the full extent the law allows. Pledges can be made in three-year installments.
Won't some kids be unable to participate because skating equipment is so expensive?
Skates and hockey equipment are expensive. Nantucket Ice is committed to providing affordable equipment, so that every child who has an interest will be able to participate. Many New England towns have full figure skating and hockey programs that include children, boys and girls, and we feel sure Nantucket can also support skating for all of our kids.
So this really is more than a "hockey rink?"
Yes! We are committed to serving all skating interests on the island. There will be significant time for general skating, figure skating and lessons, as well as hockey, for both boys and girls, as well as adults of all ages.
We anticipate being able to offer exceptional opportunities for figure skating and hockey camps and clinics, especially in the summer months and during holiday vacations. Families will no longer have to send their youngsters off-island for quality, competitive skating experiences.
When can we skate at the community rink?
Nantucket Ice received its rink design approval on Tuesday, March 9th, which completed the first step in the permitting process of our project. On Thursday, April 9th, Nantucket Ice presented its final subdivision plan before the Nantucket Planning Board. This hearing was very positive and approval is expected in early May. Once this final plan is approved, Nantucket Ice will be free to file its permit application for a Major Commercial Development. This will complete the final phase of the permitting process and open the way to begin construction of the rink once our fund-raising goal of $5.5 million is achieved.
For more information about Nantucket Ice, please call 228-2516, or write to us at Box 3155, Nantucket, MA 02584.
Thank you for supporting Nantucket Ice. The healthy alternative.