As Swellesley first reported in mid-November, the Wellesley Sports Center had to scuttle its plan to open its ice skating rinks by year end due to complications arising from the National Grid labor dispute. EDGE Sports Group, also citing bad weather, says instead of phasing in the Sports Center’s opening over 6 months, it will look to have the facility completed and open in the spring of 2019.

This revised plan is contingent upon gas infrastructure installation by March, as gas is needed both to heat the 130,000 sq. ft. facility, support dehumidifiers and more.

Efforts to get a gas line installed at the Rte. 9 east structure under an emergency measure stalled as a result of the state putting a moratorium on such work in the wake of the Merrimack Valley gas line explosions this past fall.

The Wellesley Sports Center, in addition to two ice rinks, will feature a turf field, elevated track, pools, fitness center, pro shop, and more. Charles River Aquatics, Dana Hall, Wellesley High School, Wellesley Youth Hockey, Wellesley Youth Lacrosse, Wellesley United Soccer and Wellesley Swim Association are among early partners with Wellesley Sports Center.

ESG is also hopeful, pending Massachusetts Department of Transportation approval, of construction getting underway in April on a crosswalk and traffic signals to allow easy access for pedestrians and drivers (including making lefthand turns into or out of the Sports Center parking lot).

Wellesley Sports Center