Why is Potomac building a new ice floor?
The existing surface under the ice is sand. Each year it takes the volunteer ice crew 5 to 6
weeks to build our curling ice. The new concrete floor system will significantly decrease the
time required to build ice, potentially extending the curling season by several weeks.
Recovery following melting the ice in the spring requires at least 2 months for the sand to dry
and creates issues with humidity and mold.
Additionally, the existing sand surface has considerable residue from ice paint used over the
years. Even if a new concrete floor is not constructed, the sand will require replacement in
the near future due to the paint residue buildup.
When is the work planned?
The work will be constructed during the summer of 2026.
What other work is planned at the same time?
In addition to replacing the sand surface with concrete, we will install an Ice Grid system as
the new ice floor and replace the wall between the Ice Shed and the Warm Room.
What is Ice Grid?
Ice Grid is a proprietary product made of a plastic grid to contain the chiller tubes. In lieu of
embedding the chiller tubes in the new concrete slab, the ice grid system will sit on top of the
slab.
What are the advantages of Ice Grid?
Ice Grid has a number of advantages over a conventional chiller tube in the concrete slab
system. Some of the are:
The chiller pipes used in the Ice Grid system are corrugated, creating more surface area
for cooling resulting in more uniform ice temperatures.
Ice Grid components are fully accessible should replacement of a component be needed,
unlike tubes embedded in a concrete slab.
Ice grid is portable. If at the end of the current lease, Potomac were to move to a new
facility, the ice grid system could be relocated as well.
By using a white Ice Grid system, we will eliminate the need to paint the ice.
Ice Grid is a proven system having been used at several US curling clubs including Rock
Creek in Colorado and Mayfield in Ohio.
Why are we replacing the wall between the Ice Shed and the Warm Room?
The replacement of the wall between the Ice Shed and the Warm Room will allow the
windows to be lowered improving viewing from Warm Room. The windows will also be replaced with more thermally efficient units eliminating fogging and condensation which
happens in warmer months.
How will this construction happen?
The design for the improvements has been ongoing for the past year. Potomac will be
soliciting bids from a select group of contractors in early spring so the construction can begin
as soon after the curling season as practical. The contractor will construct the new floor after
which Ice Grid will assist with the installation of the new flooring system.
What will it cost?
The current estimate for all the work is about $1.2M. About 70% of that cost covers the new
floor and wall construction and the remainder is for the cost and installation of the Ice Grid.
What is the schedule for the work?
Beginning in April after the end of the current curling season, Potomac volunteers will
perform certain tasks to prepare the club for the construction contractor. Construction is
estimated to take about 2 months. In late summer, the Ice Grid materials will be installed and
next season’s curling ice made for the start of the new curling season.
What volunteer tasks are required?
In April, club members will secure the kitchen and warm room by storing club materials
(trophies, Pro Shop, Warm Room furniture, kitchen equipment, etc.) We will remove the
existing catwalks in the ice shed and have a vendor secure the chiller, drain the coolant and
remove the chiller tubes. During construction, we’ll have one or two designated
representatives monitor the progress of the contractor’s work and attend meetings as needed.
Four to eight people will be needed each day for about a week for the installation of the Ice
Grid. While the ice making is ongoing, we’ll return any stored items to the kitchen and Warm
Room and get the club ready for the new season.
Now that Potomac has raised $100,000 is the fundraising done?
Not at all. Additional fundraising is still needed and is ongoing. Potomac has successfully
reached the Phase 1 fundraising goal however, we still face large expenses and club loans and
must continue to raise funds to help the club deal with the financial challenges ahead.