Ice rink, lacking curb appeal, banned from Statehouse lawn

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Officials in Vermont’s capital are rejecting a request to keep a popular ice rink on the front lawn of the Statehouse, saying it lacks the curb appeal suitable for the property.

Montpelier officials say wooden fencing that framed the rink last year was out of place next to the Statehouse, prompting the denial this year. Assistant City Manager Sue Allen says building commission members thought the fencing was unattractive and “looked like a horse stable.”

The Put a Rink on It Committee says the rink earned an 87 per cent approval rating in its public survey last year. But for now, the rink will have to seek a new home.

City leaders tell the Times Argus prospective sites include the Vermont College of Fine Arts and Montpelier High School.