Maximilian G. Wojcik 2027 South Driftwood way

Coupeville, WA, 98239 Mwojcik1@ithaca.edu  

   

 Dear  President  Tom  Rochon,    

  Perhaps  the  most  amazing  part  about  Ithaca  College  is  the  

incredible  location.  With  its  beautiful  surroundings  and  innovative  

infrastructure,  it  seems  as  though  everybody  who  resides  here  is  proud  

to  call  this  place  home.  However,  the  winter  months  can  be  very  trying,  

especially  on  stressed  out  students.  During  these  times,  the  high  rate  of  

depression  and  lack  of  motivation  is  apparent,  especially  from  a  

student’s  point  of  view.  Ithaca  needs  something  that  these  students  can  

come  together  as  a  group  during  these  months  and  enjoy.    

  I  have  looked  into  other  universities  in  the  greater  Finger  Lakes  

area  to  see  what  they  have  done  to  aid  in  solving  this  problem.  Cornell  

has  extensive  access  to  resources  including  a  bowling  alley,  but  this  is  

because  of  its  size.  Many  of  the  smaller  schools  including  Ithaca  need  to  

act  in  more  creative  ways  to  combat  the  winter  because  they  simply  do  

not  have  the  resources  to  build  something  as  extensive  as  a  bowling  

alley  or  other  such  establishments.  I  have  come  up  with  a  realistic  and  

implementable  idea  to  help  solve  this  dilemma.    

 

 Proposed  Solution:       Overlooking  one  of  the  nicest  views  of  the  entire  campus  sits  the  famous  Ithaca  College  Fountains.  During  the  warm  months  these  fountains  act  as  a  meeting  place  where  students  congregate  to  converse,  work,  eat  and  relax.  The  view  does  not  go  anywhere  during  the  winter,  but  sadly  the  fountains  must.  This  is  where  my  #ICe  Project  idea  can  help.  I  propose  that  during  the  winter  months  the  Ithaca  fountains  be  turned  into  an  ice  rink!    1. The  rink  would  act  as  a  central  gathering  and  community  spot  during  the  winter  

2. The  rink  would  enhance  school  spirit  and  the  sense  of  school  identity  

3. The  rink  would  boost  health,  happiness  and  involvement  by  providing  outdoor  activity  when  most  needed,  during  the  coldest  and  darkest  time  of  year    

Ideas  for  making  #ICe  a  success    1. The  rink  would  act  as  a  central  gathering  and  community  spot  during  the  winter    

Open  hours  skating  would  take  place,  and  would  have  a  schedule  much  like  the  fitness  center  where  anyone  would  be  able  to  swipe  his  or  her  ID  card  in  order  to  skate.  

There  would  also  take  place  stick  and  puck  open  hours  where  students  could  practice  their  hockey  skills    

DJ  skate  nights  would  occur,  which  would  promote  clean  and  safe  fun  on  the  weekends  for  students.    

A  small,  mobile  food  cart  much  like  the  one  currently  in  the  library  would  be  set  up  by  the  rink.  This  would  promote  even  those  who  do  not  skate  to  come,  gather,  and  watch  others  while  enjoying  coffee,  tea  and  a  pastry.      

 2. The  rink  would  enhance  school  spirit  and  the  sense  of  school  identity    

Intramural  ice  hockey  teams  would  form  and  provide  a  watchable  sport  outdoors  even  in  the  winter.  There  are  very  few  events  as  far  as  sports  go  during  this  time  of  year,  and  team  spirit  is  easily  forgotten.    

Clubs  and  organizations  could  sponsor  skate  nights  in  order  to  raise  money  by  allowing  individuals  or  groups  from  the  greater  Ithaca  area  and  Cornell  University  to  buy  an  “ICe  Pass”  at  the  beginning  of  the  year.  This  pass  would  allow  unlimited  skate  time  for  a  flat  fee.  Ithaca  students  would  skate  for  free  after  “swiping  in”  with  their  Ithaca  College  Student  ID.    

3. The  rink  would  boost  health,  happiness  and  involvement  by  providing  outdoor  activity  when  it  is  most  needed:  at  the  coldest  and  darkest  time  of  year    

Ice  skating  classes  could  take  place,  something  Ithaca  College  does  not  offer  since  the  closest  rink  is  considerably  far  away  from  campus  its  self.    

                     

                             Let’s  Visualize  This,  Go  #ICe!    

       

 

                                                                                                               

Notice  the  small  tents,  perfect  for  escaping  the    elements  and  having  a  cup    of  coffee!        

Hanging  tiki  lights,  which  can  be  in  a  variety  of  colors.  Low  electricity  alternative  to  flood  lights    

Festive  lights  on  the  walls  of  Dillingham  

The  projection    lights  on  the  side  of    Dillingham  turn  the  ice  a    beautiful    color  at  night  

Every  single  aspect  of  this  setup  is  portable!  Easy  to  move,  easy  to  store  

Refreshment  Bar  off  to  the  side,  warm  drinks  and  student  employment!  

Revenue  created  for  Ithaca  College  by  the  snack  bar  and  ICe  passes  

                                                                                       The  Estimated  Costs  

• Many  of  these  supplies  are  already  owned  by  Ithaca  College,  which  brings  

costs  down  even  more.  This  is  a  high  estimate  of  costs      

   

Potential  Roadblocks  and  Solutions    

Problem:    Water  getting  in  the  pipes  of  the  fountains,  freezing,  than  causing  damage  

Solution:         I  have  researched  what  many  other  ice  rinks  use  for  this  problem,  especially  rinks  that  are  converted  from  other  summertime  uses  such  as  fountains.  Usually  a  layer  of  plastic  is  used  underneath  the  ice,  which  keeps  the  water  from  getting  into  the  pipes  and  freezing,  whereby  expending  and  causing  damage.         After  Consulting  with  an  Ithaca  College  grounds  keeper  on  this  problem,  he  concluded  that  there  would  be  no  problem  with  pipes  freezing,  especially  if  plastic  is  deployed  before  water  is  added  for  the  rink  surface.  This  individual  wishes  to  keep  his  name  anonymous.        

Items    Cost  per  Unit    Estimated  Quantity  Needed    Total  Cost    

Chairs    $50.00     100    $5,000.00    Tents    $800.00     2    $1,600.00    Plastic  layer  under  ice    $135.00     8    $1,080.00    Zamboni,  Model  100    $10,000.00     1    $10,000.00    Single  Flood  Spotlight  for  Emergencies    $75.00     1    $75.00    Hanging  Outdoor  Light  Strings    $35.00     50    $1,750.00    Gas  for  Zamboni  (1  Tank)                                $50.00     200    $10,000.00    

Estimated  Total      

 $29,505.00    

 Problem:       Health  and  safety  concerns  Solution:       When  it  comes  to  health  and  safety,  there  is  never  room  for  compromise.  Everyone’s  safety  is  of  the  utmost  importance.  Ithaca  College  is  no  stranger  to  bringing  somewhat  risky  activities  to  life.  By  offering  many  programs  that  are  dangerous,  including  advanced  alpine  skiing  and  scuba  diving,  Ithaca  shows  that  it  has  the  knowledge  and  professionalism  to  protect  students  while  they  engage  safely  in  risky  activities.  To  ensure  this  safety,  student  proctors  would  be  hired  just  as  they  are  in  the  fitness  center  and  pool.  These  students  would  be  ready  to  get  out  on  the  ice  and  help  if  there  were  ever  any  type  of  injury  or  mishap.      

The  Survey:  Sample  size,  50  students                

As  a  result  from  my  simple  random  sampling  test,  it  is  clear  that  the  general  student  population  supports  my  idea.  The  greater  majority  of  students  surveyed  expressed  interest  and  believed  it  to  be  innovative  and  a  great  progressive  move  for  Ithaca  College  to  implement.    

           

Question   Yes   No   N/A  Do  you  feel  fatigue/loss  of  motivation  in  the  winter  due  to  inactivity/whether  conditions?   95%   50%   0%  Would  you  be  interested  in  ice-­‐skating  on  campus?   80%   15%   5%  Does  Ithaca  College  schedule  enough  safe,  drug  free  activities?   56%   20%   24%  Do  you  think  an  ice  rink  would  raise  team  spirit  at  Ithaca  College?   75%   19%   6%  Would  you  attend  DJ  skate  nights  for  the  experience  even  if  you  do  not  ice  skate?   82%   18%   0%  Do  you  want  an  ice  rink  on  campus  during  the  winter?   85%   13%   2%  Do  you  believe  that  #Ice  is  a  safe,  fun,  and  implementable  idea  for  Ithaca  College?   91%   8%   1%  Do  you  think  that  the  #Ice  project  would  be  a  success?   90%   9%   1%  

 Conclusion  

  Hopefully  this  proposal  shines  some  light  on  the  problem  

that  Ithaca  students  face  daily  during  the  winter.  It  is  a  fact  that  students  

have  limited  activities  to  participate  in  during  these  dreary  months.  This  

idea  is  highly  supported  by  the  Ithaca  College  Community,  affordable,  and  

completely  doable.    

I  thank  you  for  your  time  and  consideration,  and  invite  you  to  

contact  me  with  any  additional  questions  or  concerns.  

 

Sincerely,       Maximilian Gombosi Wojcik