Troubled rink gets new chiller, may open on time

By Sean Paul Cormier

It’s getting cold at Veterans Memorial Rink. And that’s a good thing: with the help of a newly installed ice chiller the long-troubled and often closed rink could be ready to open on time this year for the first time in at least five years.

The rink, which has been plagued by delays and closures in the last few years, has finally made significant progress.

State Representative Denise Provost, D-Somerville, said the response of state authorities has improved. “The Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Commissioner, Richard Sullivan, have been extremely reasonable and continue to have productive meetings,” she said. “The DCR went into design and equipment has been delivered which consists of two new compressors and a ammonia based chilling system”, which she noted was energy efficient too.

Provost said Somerville kids have been forced to travel to New Hampshire and other cities and towns for ice time. Provost said a new insulated roof would keep the rink open on a more consistent basis.

The planned opening day of the annual Learn to Skate program is on schedule to begin Nov. 17 at the Veterans Memorial Rink. Provost could not absolutely say the rink will open on time this year but did say that she has high expectations.