Could ice skating come to Dillsboro? Canton has ice skating, so why not?
Dillsboro resident Beth James spoke at last week’s town hall meeting, suggesting it would be a “perfect addition” to Monteith Park during Luminaries.
Jackson Country Parks and Recreation could look into this project and make it a reality, James said.
The company, Skate Anytime, just needs the space, but they pay for everything else. Ice skating has already been a hit in Canton as the setup downtown is packed with people, she said.
“I kind of like the idea,” Alderman Jim Cochran said.
“We could all use a little something,” James said.
This would bring not only joy, but economic development to Dillsboro, James said.
The decision would need to be made around August or September.
James adds that they could stay from the day after Thanksgiving until the end of Luminaries. The dates for Luminaries 2025 are Dec. 5 and 6 from 5-9 p.m. and Dec.12 and 13 from 5-9 p.m.
“It’s affordable and packed with people, families, who come to eat and shop,” James said.
There is no cost to the town. The cost was about $2 an hour to skate.
James also brought up an opportunity that could be utilized by Dillsboro starting in March, a study by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. The study involves cleanup programs at riverside locations, and post-Helene Dillsboro could benefit.
The more people in support, the better chance Dillsboro has in being considered for it, she said. The study is reaching out to surrounding areas, but James is asking for Jackson County Parks and Recreation to keep Dillsboro in mind.
“We need to be active and make that happen,” James said.
Also discussed is Historic Preservation Month coming up in May. Most buildings in Dillsboro are considered historic. James offered to utilize the Historic Preservation Commission Facebook page on Facebook and to highlight these buildings across time. Some buildings include the Jarrett House, Dogwood, and Riverwood.
“It’s the people who really make it interesting,” James said.
The posts will involve talking about people who lived in the historic buildings at different times and telling their stories.
Story originally posted on The Sylva Herald Feb. 19 edition.
