Franklin skating rink closed
Published 11:10 am Friday, July 10, 2015
The skating rink in southern Isle of Wight County closed last Wednesday. No plans for any new use have been announced. — Stephen H. Cowles | Tidewater News
FRANKLIN
The Isle of Wight/Franklin Skating Rink has closed.
Don Robertson, spokesman for Isle of Wight County, confirmed the action became effective on July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year.
The closure is the culmination of both localities looking to trim their respective budgets.
Back in April, the county was considering foreclosure due to significant building renovation costs of $170,000 and the lack of usership by Isle of Wight residents, which was estimated at only 3 percent.
Robertson said he was not aware of any discussions regarding the sale of the building. But, he added that would require action on the part of the Board of Supervisors.
Even as far back as September 2010 there was talk of closing the recreation site. In that fiscal year, Isle of Wight was reported to have spent more than $114,000 to operate the skating rink. But the costs were somewhat offset by money coming from admission, concessions and special event fees.
