Aquatic center, rink are cash cows, report says
BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer

BRICK TOWNSHIP - There's nothing wrong with the Ocean Ice Palace that a few cosmetic and roof repairs won't fix, the chairman of the Citizens for a Better Brick Community said.

"This building is built like a bomb shelter, no matter what people say," Walter Campbell said during a presentation at the Sept. 25 Township Council meeting. "It just needs a little maintenance."

The citizens' group began working on what could be included in a community center for some time, Campbell said.

He presented each council member with a file more than an inch thick on the proposed center for review.

"It's been going on for awhile," he said. "I don't want people to think this came out of the woodwork magically."

He outlined plans for ice-skating facilities, a senior center, field house and an aquatic center that would offer something for citizens of all ages.

"All the facilities must be self-supporting," he said. "The town cannot fund projects beyond the initial investment."

The proposed aquatic center would be a "cash cow" for the township, Campbell said.

"The revenue that comes in from this is obscene," he said. "This thing can really be a stabilizer for the complex."

The aquatic center would contain a separate therapy pool, an exercise/instructional pool and another pool with a moveable bulkhead, so it could be used either as two 25-yard, short-course pools or one Olympic-size pool, Campbell said.

The township would keep the 40-yearold Ocean Ice Palace rink and build another practice rink to the rear of the building, he said.

"The more ice you have, the more money you make," Campbell said. "It's as simple as that."

"been there a lot of years

and it will be there a lot

more years," he said. "Yeah, the roof leaks and it needs some paint."

Campbell said all the buildings suggested could be

pre-engineered truss structures.

"They are perfect for the situation, very cost-effective, they go up quickly," he said. "Facades can be added later when revenues are generated. The width, length and height can be modified."

Campbell estimated total construction costs at $8.8 million.

"You don't have to do them all at once," he said. "When you have time, you can finish them off."

The township is negotiating with Ocean Ice Palace owner Joan Dwulet to purchase the 13.3-acre site and ice rink on Chambers Bridge Road. The property also includes a dormitory building and a 25-yard outdoor pool.