Iconic Belfast Curling Club Faces Flood Damage

On March 9, 2021, a burst pipe was discovered at the Belfast Curling Club, in Belfast, Maine USA. Because we did not open this past winter due to COVID-19, this discovery was not timely. A large area of the lower level had become flooded with six inches of water, and upstairs, water had pooled in the bar and the warm room. Once the water had been removed, it was clear that a huge hurdle lay ahead for BCC.

    The flooding damaged the bar and warm room floors, and on the lower level, severe damage to walls, ceilings and floors necessitated a full “gut” of much of the women’s locker room, machinery rooms, and storage areas. Demolition revealed additional water damage and mold from longstanding ground water infiltration—something BCC had begun to address last summer with an incremental approach due to income loss from not opening. The flooding and consequent demolition put that project on a fast track and prompted the need for major additional work to meet current building code requirements.

    Though initially devastating, the BCC board feels this event has presented an opportunity to make much needed improvements to our facility that will better serve membership, community, and curling guests. A committee of seven BCC members, including an architect, has taken on the task of developing and implementing a plan to build back the lower level with better traffic flow, improved lighting and air quality, an expanded women’s locker room, a second set of stairs leading up into the banquet room, an ADA compliant unisex bathroom just off the ice, a dedicated pro shop, and more functional mechanical rooms and storage areas. The ground water infiltration will be addressed with new floor trenching, a sump pump, and commercial grade dehumidifiers.

    While talented and dedicated BCC members will continue to donate their skills and time, and the BCC Board has been diligent in assuring we have funds for standard repairs, the total dollar amount needed to complete the reconstruction project will far exceed what is available from savings and the insurance settlement. Very preliminary estimates for repairs and renovations total $218,000. After the insurance settlement, and a portion that the club feels it can contribute from cash balances, there is a need to raise or borrow approximately $148,000.

    Since 1959, the Belfast Curling Club has been an important part of our community, offering a fun, social place for people to gather and participate in an indoor winter sport that is both physically and mentally engaging. We are an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit, dedicated to promoting and teaching the sport and spirit of curling for the health of our community.

    We greatly appreciate your support of our repair and renovation, whether in the form of a tax deductible donation, sharing our story, or attending one of our bonspiels this coming season: the Maine-iac ‘Spiel, the inaugural Belfast Open Doubles, the Women’s Pine Tree, the Men’s Little International, and the Wood Memorial Bonspiel (go to www.belfastcurlingclub.org for dates).

    Thank you!
    Belfast Curling Club
    PO Box 281
    211 Belmont Avenue (Route 3)
    Belfast, Maine 04815