Future Of Brookline's Ice Rink At Larz Anderson Park In Question

BROOKLINE, MA – The future of Brookline's ice rink at Larz Anderson park is in question, following a "significant equipment breakdown" at the facility earlier this year, according to Parks and Open Space Director Erin Gallentine.

The town converted what once was a Italianate garden into the seasonal open air outdoor Jack Kirrane Ice Rink at Larz Anderson Park in 1958. The rink has been home to the town's youth hockey league and winter memories - including those of Hockey Dad and former Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady - ever since.

The rink's chiller broke in April, and a chiller is the largest and one of the most critical components to having an ice rink. Chillers generally cost thousands of dollars and the town estimated replacing Brookline's would involve a "significant capital investment."

In an effort to outline options and evaluate the future of the rink, the Town of Brookline's Park and Recreation Commission is setting up a task force.

"As it weighs options for the future of the Kirrane Rink, the task force will consider the costs and benefits associated with maintaining an ice skating facility, repair and replacement options, short and long-term community needs as well as opportunities for strategic partnerships," according to Town officials.

But prepare for a fix to take a while, even if funding is secured speedily. Replacing the ice rink’s refrigeration mechanism will require extensive planning, design and engineering work before construction making it unlikely that the rink will be able to open for the upcoming skating season.

Park and Recreation Commissioner and Task Force Chair Wendy Sheridan said the commission was working to explore possible temporary options for winter, and implored anyone who would like to be considered for the Task Force to submit a letter of interest via email to jzarni@brooklinema.gov with JACK KIRRANE ICE RINK TASK FORCE in the subject header by July 10.

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