Community Corner

Dunham Park Roller-Rink Will Stay Closed Until Repaired

The status of the roller-rink is unclear, as the damage may be too significant to repair.

The roller-rink in Dunham Park was closed several weeks ago due to extensive damage that has created unsafe conditions. Extreme cracking from unknown reasons has made roller-skating in the rink dangerous. 

The roller-rink was built when the park was established in 1999. By 2007, massive cracking occurred throughout the rink, and the township paid to have the rink resurfaced. 

"The township engineer has been out there investigating and will come up with recommendations as to what needs to be done and how we can repair the rink and have the cracking not happen again — or at least not as severely," Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Gander said.

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Gander said the rink is so damaged it may need to be rebuilt, which the engineer estimates to cost about $150,000. 

"Engineering is working on some estimates and some options for us," Gander said. "Should we put the funds into resurfacing or rebuilding the rink? Should we close the rink? I mean it is one of those facilities that's used but there's no record of use because it's not an active registered program facility."

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The Recreation, Parks and Pathways Advisory will come up with a proposal based on the engineers' recommendations next month. It will then present their solution to the Bernards Township Committee for approval and funding. 

The reason for the amount of disrepair is still unknown.

"It could be the that there was a drainage issue. It could be the way the asphalt was laid. It could be the way it was built," Gander said. 

Gander said drainage may be the ultimate culprit since the side of the rink that has the most damage is the closest to a large hill which trickles down rainwater. 

Ultimately, the Dunham Park roller-rink will not be reopened until extreme cracking and seaming has been renovated. 


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