We are almost there, but local residents, tax payers and the hockey community still request written confirmation that the new rink will, in fact, be built of at least equal or greater quality to the existing hockey rink, as specified by the City of Myrtle Beach in SECTION 0300 of its bid form for Phase 3 of this project. 

Will the City of Myrtle Beach adhere to what several contractor's have bid on for Phase 3?

Will the new rink be built before the old rink is demolished?

Can we expect a definitive timeline and scope of work for the new roller rink?

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Myrtle Beach Construction Bid Form, Section 0300 of which specifically requires:

'The roller rink and area around the rink must be constructed and completed first in the overall schedule of the Grand Park Phase Three project.   The existing roller hockey facility must stay active, the contractor can proceed with the demolition of the existing facility to construct the Emmons drive and  the associated parking lot.'

Despite the language in the bid form, it appears that the City of Myrtle Beach is planning to proceed with demolition of the existing rink, prior to even commencing construction on the new rink.  This will directly impact hundreds of persons from 6 years old and up, who are currently playing hockey in leagues, practices, and clinics at the existing facility.  This will also impact several thousand persons who are family members and friends/fans of the hockey community.  IMPACT, meaning this will immediately eliminate the ability to participate in league hockey play, and to support and attend these games.

If the City of Myrtle Beach proceeds to demolish the existing rink before completing a new rink, and with NO definite plans for completion of a new facility, it will severely damage the ability of this sport to continue and grow.

It also appears that the City of Myrtle Beach deviated from standard bid policy and procedure in soliciting and letting bids for this job.  This is in addition to the fact that the City appears to be acting in vilotaion of its own bid terms, by proceeding with demolition of the existing hockey rink prior to completion of the new rink.