Community dedicates ice rink at Sam Miller Field

A 60-degree afternoon never felt like more of a right time to dedicate an outdoor ice rink than it did Monday in Jim Thorpe.

Backed by a strong crowd including representatives from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the volunteers who brought the Sam Miller Field ice rink from a pipe dream to reality in a matter of weeks cut the ribbon on the borough’s newest entertainment option.

“This all started Dec. 15 at the Diligent Fire Company when Patricia Brunson asked me if we could put an ice rink here at the field,” said Leroy Strohl, president of the Jim Thorpe Community Athletic Association. “I’ve been wanting to do one for years.”

Within five weeks, the group had raised money for, ordered and installed a 40-by-60-foot expandable rink with rounded corners. Though the ice had thawed to water for Monday’s ceremony, the community was able to enjoy the rink for several weeks this winter.

“The kids loved it,” Strohl said.

“Next year, we’re looking to expand the rink to 60-by-80 feet. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone who had anything to do with this. I know my grandfather, Sam Miller, would be very proud.”

Brunson, who moved to Jim Thorpe about five years ago, led fundraising efforts, which started with the Phantoms’ contribution of $1,000. The AHL team, based in Allentown, responded within 48 hours of Brunson’s letter asking for their participation.

“Rarely does anyone invest in an idea without much hesitation,” Brunson said. “They got this machine rolling, which everyone then wanted to be a part of.”

Two Phantoms players, Isaac Ratcliffe and Maksim Sushko, as well as the team mascot meLVin, rode on a fire truck to Sam Miller Field on Monday to mark the occasion.

“We are so honored to be a part of this,” said Jennifer Keeble, executive director of the Phantoms Charities. “We love to get involved in projects like this where there is so much heart and dedication. It’s a grassroots effort. We’re a small piece of this. This moment belongs to the people who have lived here for so long. We would love to come back and see the ice when you can skate on it.”

Local dignitaries such as borough councilwoman Edith Lukasevich and her son Chris, a Carbon County commissioner, joined in on Monday’s festivities.

“I personally knew Sam Miller,” Edith said. “He would be so proud of everyone. It’s great to see so many people here supporting this organization.”

Mayor Mike Sofranko suggested that Monday’s weather was actually fitting.

“This association has always cared about one thing and that is the children of this community,” Sofranko said. “It doesn’t matter the weather or the forecast. All that matters is that there are children here. That is what they are about.”