Outdoor Ice Skating Will Return to Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nostalgic days of public, outdoor ice skating are set to return.
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath revealed on Tuesday that the city plans to buy a 50-foot by 100-foot mobile ice skating rink for its parks. It aims to provide a free outdoor winter recreation activity for people of all ages.
"We've been pursuing a small project to cite an ice rink. This would be a refrigerated ice rink somewhere here in the city," he told the Parks Commission.
Public ice skating is a well-remembered part of the city's past, but global warming has stymied the ability to make ice or even enjoy it on the lakes, McGrath explained. Therefore, the idea was to pursue grant funding to purchase one of these ice rinks.
The city is considering The Common as an initial site, but the intent is to maximize the use of Wahconah Park, which has been touted as a four-season facility and has previously housed ice skating.
The park's grandstand and parking lot are subject to a nearly $30 million renovation with a hopeful start next year.
The city received a $50,000 matching grant from a local philanthropic organization for the $250,000 project. There is also a grant application in front of Dicks Sporting Goods' funding program.
"There are a couple other irons in the fire and again, we have a community partner that's come on and has really taken the ball and has been working with me to in the mayor," McGrath reported.
"The mayor is very interested in this project, is fully supportive of it."
He can't imagine it coming to fruition this winter but would invariably be seen in the 2025-2026 winter season "and then eventually it would be at Wahconah Park."
"Such a facility and program would not only promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles but also contribute to the social fabric of Pittsfield by creating a space for people to come together and enjoy the winter season outdoors, especially during warming winter days when ski mountains and ponds no longer afford outdoor recreation activities the way they once did," a narrative on the project reads.
"The benefits of a refrigerated outdoor ice-skating rink are numerous, ranging from fostering a sense of community to boosting local businesses. It has been proven that community-focused initiatives like this contribute to residents' overall well-being and satisfaction. Additionally, establishing such a recreational facility aligns with the broader goals of enhancing our city's attractiveness, drawing in visitors, and promoting a vibrant downtown area."
McGrath said there is more information to come.
"We have strong partners. We've already received some funding and we think that this is the way to go," he said.
"We're never going to be able to site ice like we did before at The Common, we have difficulties seeing ice set up at the lakes, and we want to make certain that we can provide something that is consistent and safe and free and affordable."
The open-air rink comes in container boxes, is pulled out, and then plugged in. It can provide ice skating during temperatures as high as almost 60 degrees and hold about 40 people.
For setup and takedown, the city will have support from its Building Maintenance Department.
"It could be for folks in the neighborhood, folks from the city, folks from the region, tourists," McGrath said.
"We really see this as capitalizing on our winter recreation offering."
By using this type of rink, the city can avoid weather-dependent conditions on the lake and place it in a central area that is close to restaurants and other local businesses. The town of Lenox is considering a similar purchase.
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