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USICERINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2021 / 21 From The Pandemic To Beyond Like many entities ION took some hits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It had not even been a year before things started shutting down. Despite the challenges, all of the staff continued to be on payroll. "For three months we had to shut down and close doors," Setayesh said. "We decided to keep the ice so we could hit the ground running when things opened up again." That eventually happened. Thanks to the big arena, there was plenty of room to social distance and adhere to pan- demic guidelines. Though a lot of the focus for the ION crew lately has revolved around COVID, eyes remain looking forward. For those involved, that means expansion. With plenty of land to work with, Taifas and Setayesh see the number of ice sheets expanding from two to four. That's just one of the changes. "We were discussing phase two before we even started construction of the origi- nal facility," Setayesh said. "We want a bigger building that allows for a bigger gym, bigger party room, bigger exercise room and more locker rooms." Despite plenty of challenges, ION appears to be accomplishing its goals of meeting the needs of the area. "We're all about developing and moving forward," Setayesh said. "Our whole thing is just to get better every day." J "THIS WAS DESIGNED BY A SKATER FOR SKATERS." REGUPOL is an industry leader in producing high-performance rink flooring that stands up to the elements and high-traffic activity. As the inventor, we've driven the technology of indoor sports surfacing for decades. We've got it covered — from the compressor area, ice resurfacer room, to offices, locker-rooms, classrooms, walkways and weight rooms we have your flooring needs taken care of. www.regupol.us Thayer Academy • Brantree, MA