To the editor:

With 165 clubs 41 states, and countless more clubs in Canada and 47 other countries, curling is one of the fastest growing sports globally. Each month, the U.S. Curling Association receives numerous inquires from communities looking to start a club of their own. Much of the upswing in interest is attributed to its inclusion as a Winter Olympic sport. It is the second most watched sport in Winter Olympics and it’s moving from a fringe to a mainstream sport in America.

Admittedly, curling has a quirky reputation — perhaps it’s the lack of speed compared to other Olympic events, or perhaps it’s because most people don’t understand how it is played. The truth is, it’s a really cool sport that requires strength, agility, mental acuity, focus, and razor-sharp accuracy. It is a sport that can be played for a lifetime with players over a wide range of age differences and abilities.

There is a contingent of people in the Tri-Lakes area who understand exactly this. There is a long history of curling in Saranac Lake, with as many as three clubs in existence in the early 1900s. The Lake Placid Curling Club, established in 1981 in Lake Placid, now plays every Sunday at the Saranac Lake Civic Center. We hold open houses, offer learn-to-curl programs, and compete each week for a chance at the club championship.

We are in full support of the prospect of a curling center here in this village, and are happy to help Mayor Clyde Rabideau and others in pursuit of a curling and recreational center.

While the club is appreciative to have a place to play, there is a world of difference between playing on “hockey” ice versus having a curling club with dedicated curling ice. Not only would a curling club enhance the level of play (think of a pro golfer going from putting at Augusta to putting on his/her back lawn), but it would grow the sport and become a valuable recreational asset to Saranac Lake. A curling club would provide an outlet for people of all ages to remain active, and offer an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends and family. A dedicated curling club attracts more members. It’s the “if you build it, they will come” scenario.

Perhaps more importantly, it would attract more recreational events to our town. Bonspiels, (curling tournaments) draw curlers from other clubs to compete over several days, usually 3 days with anywhere from 12 to 36 teams attending, who would occupy our lodging, dine in our restaurants and shop at our stores. It could be an economic engine and help draw visitors to our community. Saranac Lake has a sporting and Olympic history. That spirit could be revived with a dedicated curling facility.

Lake Placid Curling Club