Community Press Release
Beginning on Friday, November 23, 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will commence its annual public ice skating season at agency managed rinks across the Commonwealth. DCR rinks provide ice time to local hockey teams, while also enabling children and their families with fun, safe, accessible, and affordable winter recreational activities.
“With the winter season nearly upon us, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is excited to once again offer ice skating at rinks throughout the Commonwealth, where the public can participate in fun, family-friendly activities,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to the upkeep and maintenance of state park facilities, such as ice rinks, which encourage active, healthy lifestyles year round for people of all abilities to benefit from.”
Since 2017, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested approximately $10 million in capital improvements for ice rink renovations to ensure these facilities remain important staples within local communities for years to come.
Recently, the agency has completed the replacement of refrigeration systems at three ice rinks; John W. Flynn Memorial Rink, Bajko Memorial Rink, and Shea Memorial Rink. The replacement of outdated equipment will allow for the modernization of infrastructure and increased energy efficiency at the facilities. The Baker-Polito Administration also announced earlier this year that the DCR will renovate the locker rooms, concession area, and rink entrance at Bajko Memorial Rink, and replace the rink slabs and dasher boards at John W. Flynn Memorial Rink and Shea Memorial Rink.
Public skating at all DCR managed rinks will begin on Friday, November 23, 2018, with the exception of the Kelly Outdoor Rink in the City of Boston, which will open on Sunday, December 16, 2018 (weather permitting). Public ice skating times and locations of DCR managed rinks can be found on the agency’s webpage, as well as a full list of all DCR owned rinks. Visitors should call ahead concerning the availability of ice skate rentals, snack concessions, and ice reservations. Additionally, adaptive programming is offered during the winter season through the agency’s Universal Access Program (UAP). To learn more about UAP, please visit the program’s webpage, where upcoming events are posted.