The town of Wellesley’s Recreation Department is looking to set up a skating rink this winter on one of the Hunnewell field basketball courts based on a request from Wellesley Youth Hockey Association families.
The last time the town set up such a rink was 2018, and in fact it had three of them at that time.
Wellesley will go with a single rink starting in early-to-mid-January, assuming the weather cooperates and based on availability of town personnel (warmer weather has been an issue with ice conditions in the past).
The Rec Department already has the basic equipment.
Setting up just one rink will leave a basketball court open in case the weather is mild enough to play on it during the winter, according to Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Director Brandon Schmidt, who raised the topic during a recent NRC meeting at which commissioners were supportive of the rink.
Recreation Director Matt Chin says: “Wellesley Youth Hockey reached out a while back and WYH has organized their families to assist with rink set-up, but more importantly maintenance (shoveling, etc).”
The town’s Parks, Water, Police and Fire departments will also be assisting with set-up.
Hockey dad Vishal Kuchaculla says the rink is expected to be open for at least four weeks based on the town’s past experience. He’s hopeful about there being some sort of opening day event. Kuchaculla who lauded town departments and hockey families for their support, and he’s hoping for great community engagement throughout the season in what he hopes will become a sustainable tradition.
“I am excited for a great season ahead and appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm and teamwork!” he wrote to the local hockey community.
Will the ice have open public skate times? And a Zamboni?
Not sure of hours yet. No zamboni…manual clearing