New indoor turf in town

This spring, the Founders Memorial Ice Rink has a new look. The winter surface has been replaced with artificial turf. More than $67,000 was spent to install the temporary turf that will add field space for the spring and summer months.

“We decided to make an indoor turf facility to have more opportunities for people in Somerville,” said director of Somerville Recreation Jill Lathan. The rink will be rented out the same way other city fields are for sports leagues, youth recreation and private parties.

On Saturday, April 16 Somerville Recreation Department introduced the new indoor turf field to residents with a “Day of Play” event. The city recreation staff led numerous sports activities with children and families from all over the city.

Many of the youth who participated in the event play school sports. Some said the event was a good way to interact with others and practice their skills on the field.

“I love this,” said 11-year-old Somerville resident Madisyn Mahoney. “You get to play football, lacrosse, and dodge ball all in one place.”

According to the city recreation staff, encouraging youth to be proactive in fitness and health is their mission.

“When I was kid I joined all the rec programs,” said Caitlyn Breen, staff member of Somerville Recreation. “Working with the kids and giving them what I had when I was kid is important to me.”

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