COMSTOCK TWP., MI — It’s a sunny, 65 degree day in Kalamazoo on Friday, Oct. 17.

Sarah Avink sits on a bridge overlooking grassy toboggan runs at Echo Valley, 8495 E. H Ave. Below, her husband Hank Avink installs a skating rink.

The couple purchased the nearly 100-year old winter sports complex for $350,000 in October, Hank said.

Weather permitting, Hank wants to open the rink and a few sled runs by Thanksgiving, Sarah said.

It’s already crunch time.

They’ve been on site for a week, cleaning out the lodge and reclaiming the steep toboggan runs from weeds and grass.

“We have to walk the fine line between the tradition of the property and making updates,” Sarah said. “But there is a lot of potential.”

They’ve combed through reviews to address the biggest fixes first, she said, like lo

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