New Solar Lights on Bowmaker Pond

Paul Empie with the newly installed solar rink lights at Bowmaker Pond in Sharon Springs. Photo Credit: Molly Empie.

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — New solar lights were installed by a local resident, Paul Empie, on the beloved Bowmaker Pond in Sharon Springs, NY this winter season. The new and easy to use solar lights replace the old rink lights that used to run on a generator.

Paul Empie, longtime Sharon Springs resident, realized there was a need for new lighting at Bowmaker Pond, located on Route 10 just south of the Sharon Springs Central School. This pond is often used as a seasonal ice rink for ice hockey and ice skating but is also used as a stocked fishing pond in the warmer months.

What started as an idea for new lights was set into reality when Paul and his son Matthew decided to take on the effort. “Can’t call it an effort, it was fun!”, Empie said, and also mentioned his son had a lot of the great ideas that went into it.

The supplies for this project (except the inverter) were all donated and reclaimed recycled materials, including the poles and heads, donated by Adam Rosen the Owner of AE Rosen Electrical in Albany, NY.

They came up with the idea to use solar and to even hang the lines rather than digging, saving time, effort, and environmental impacts overall. By working together and utilizing different resources, this was a family and community effort with a very successful result!

Though this 2024 winter season hasn’t been the best for ice-related sports, there is still a chance of freezing in March, allowing locals to possibly utilize the new and improved lighting at Bowmaker Pond. There is a switch on the box that needs to be turned on and it is asked to please shut the lights back off when done.

If anyone is looking to contribute towards making the rink at Bowmaker Pond better, it was suggested there is also a need for donated outdoor seating/benches and even a monetary donation for the purchase of ice skates. This is an ongoing effort. For more information on how to help please reach out to Mr. Tony Desmond at the American Legion.