Strawbery Banke to Seek OK for Ice Rink

A plan to construct an outdoor skating ring at Strawbery Banke Museum will go before the city's Board of Adjustment on Tuesday night at City Hall.

Strawbery Banke officials are seeking a variance to allow an outdoor recreational use on the museum grounds that is currently not allowed, according to city documents on the city's website. The BOA meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall.

If approved, Portsmouth area residents would be able to go ice skating at Strawbery Banke on a $300,000 outdoor ice skating rink.

, told City Councilors that their goal is to create a facility that will be enjoyed by families with a multitude of programs.

Yerdon said then that children would be able to learn how to ice skate and after school programs could be offered, including ice dancing programs and even Yoga skating.

Yerdon said then the Ice Skating Theatre of New York would come once a year and perform. There would also be free weekday and weekend sessions along with pickup pond hockey games. 

Yerdon said families would also be able to enjoy hot dogs, hot chocolate and other refreshments while warming up at an outdoor fire.

Yerdon told the council then it will cost $300,000 to build the rink, operating expenses are $350,000 and earned income and sponsorship is about $350,000.