If you build it … they will skate

Nicole Brown, 12, lands a jump while practicing a figure skating routine on her grandfather’s artificial ice rink on Camano Island. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS The inspiration to build a skating rink didn’t come to Bill Brown of Camano Island and Jerry Edwards of Arlington through voices of skating’s past.

The proud grandfathers witnessed smiles of joy and glares of determination on their granddaughters’ faces the first time they hit the ice.

The sight was thrilling, yet nerve racking at the same time. Since then, Samantha, 13, and Nicole, 12, have continued to excel one edge at a time.

Polishing their skills with the Everett Figure Skating Club, the girls have earned high marks with intricate moves and dazzling jumps.

“When you see a kid really enjoy an activity, keep them interested,” said Brown.

That mentality inspired Brown and Edwards to build a practice rink on Brown’s property.

Due to the expense involved with installing and maintaining real ice, the two sought other options.

While watching Good Morning America, Brown discovered an artificial ice surface with 90 percent glide-ability of the real deal.

The material, made by EZ Glide, is composed of a polymer compound to simulate an ice surface without the hassle of a compressor or resurfacing machine known as a Zamboni.

Not only did Brown and Edwards build a fully-enclosed 3,000-square-foot practice rink, they included all the nuances, down to a disco ball and sound system.

“Everything was done in miniature,” said Brown. “We even have a vending machine and popcorn maker.”

The rink was completed two years ago. Samantha and Nicole have put on shows for friends and family and the Browns have hosted many skating parties.

“Every Christmas we hold a big party,” he said. “Santa even shows up for a skate. It’s been quite a deal.”

Brown said the EZ Glide material lasts for 20 years, 10 years of use on each side. The system is installed in sheets and simply requires a wash with a mixture of biodegradable EZ Glide solution and water every month.

“Some say the plastic dulls the blades on skates,” said Brown, “but, a few more skate sharpenings is cheaper than maintaining ice.”

Recently, his grandsons, Jonathan, 8, and Jake, 7, have started playing hockey. Now, the rink will be more crowded as sticks, pucks and nets are thrown into the mix.

Brown considers his role of referee and rink technician as a “labor of love.”

As a former soccer coach for Stanwood High School in the 1970s and founder of the Mukilteo Soccer Club, he knows the importance of youth athletics. He’s a firm believer in providing children and young adults an avenue for learning lifelong skills through sportsmanship.

The rink also keeps his family close to home.

“You can’t have kids running around anymore,” he said. “Keep them active and you keep them out of trouble.”

Brown would like to see more rinks popping up around the area.

“What would really be neat,” he said, “is to see the city of Stanwood use this material to build a rink in an idle building.”

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.