VOTE YES FOR A NEW COMMUNITY RINK
THE OLD RINK PERMANENTLY CLOSED ON MARCH 18
The proposed Community Rink is designed for a broad mix of community uses.
VOTE YES ON APRIL 4th TO REPLACE THIS COMMUNITY ASSET
WHY AGAIN? WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
Following a 5-week closure when the rink could not make ice and subsequent evaluation, on February 6th, the Select Board announced that:
- Part of the rink refrigeration equipment is broken beyond repair.
- They cannot support investing in a profoundly failing facility.
AS A RESULT, THE OLD RINK PERMANENTLY CLOSED ON MARCH 18TH.
This is new.
- In November, voters were asked: Should we REPLACE or KEEP the old rink?
- On April 4th, voters will face a very different question: Should we build the COMMUNITY RINK? Or have NO RINK?
WHAT’S NEXT?
Belmont residents will vote on the Community Rink in the April 4th town elections. More info about voting
Keep reading to learn more about the proposed Community Rink.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
Watch this 4-minute video to experience the broken rink.
(This video is best viewed in fullscreen mode.)
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY RINK?
A Community Rink is a place where people come together, share an activity, and feel connected to the broader Belmont community.
They are spaces that we might use in different phases of our lives – playgrounds when our children are little, the senior center when we are a bit older, and the Community Rink throughout, though maybe in different ways.
Our community spaces add to the richness of our community, and we all benefit. Though none of us use them all, taken together, they shape our lives and bring us together.
Our Community Rink creates new opportunities for an array of activities that serve the diverse interests of our residents.
Some will engage in the 3 seasons of ice-based activities as participants or spectators. Some through summer “non-ice” camps and sports. Others will use the bathrooms and concessions during events at Harris Track & Field.
This mix of activities will be shaped by our community, for our community; the facility has a flexible design that has many possibilities.
THE COMMUNITY RINK DESIGN
DESIGNED FOR A BROAD MIX OF COMMUNITY USES
The Community Rink takes the core features of a rink and expands the ways they can be used. This 12-month, multi-use facility will benefit the broader community – with 3 seasons of skating, new “non-ice” summer programs, a home for hockey, facilities for events like football games and Soccer Night, and much more. (Read below to learn more.)
- The 12-month facility features 3 seasons of ice activities and exciting “non-ice” options for summer camps and sports
- Bathrooms, snack bar, locker & dressing rooms, and storage can be used from Harris Track & Field and nearby fields.
- Supports many BHS sports, including football, soccer, field hockey, ski, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, track & field, softball, baseball, and golf teams
THE RIGHT TIME:
THE PROJECT IS READY
This is the right time to build the Community Rink. The old rink is broken and will be closed permanently. The Community Rink project has been updated and validated – it is ready. And the new 12-month facility will play an expanded role in the life of our community.
LET’S BUILD IT.
THE RINK IS CLOSED PERMANENTLY
- Broken refrigeration equipment cannot be repaired.
- This means the rink will not be able to make ice
The Select Board cannot support investing in a profoundly failing building:
- Sub-ice tubing is compromised
- Beams are profoundly rusting
- Leaking roof & condensation “rain”
- Holes, bumps, & melted patches on ice
- Walls disconnected & open to weather
- Floors flooding, heaving, cracking
- Electrical system compromised
- Plumbing & HVAC breaking
Click for more info
THE COMMUNITY RINK IS THE RIGHT PROJECT
- A dynamic community resource
- Serves more than 5,000 residents of all ages in all seasons
- 3-seasons of expanded skating programs for all ages
- Skate rentals that facilitate casual useand wider participation
- Summer options for “non-ice” camps and sports
- Bathrooms, concessions, and locker rooms that also Harris Track & Field and nearby fields
- Hockey home ice for Belmont teams & developmental programs
Click for more info
FOR THE LOWEST POSSIBLE COST
- It’s a “no frills” facility — with a smart, flexible, multi-use design
- Designed for sustainability
- 10% cost reduction
- $29.9 million project cost
- $170/yr on $1M assessed value (30 years)
- Cost estimates account for hazardous materials, challenging site conditions, supply chain escalation, prevailing wages, and statutory requirements unique to public sector projects
Click for more info
KNOW THE FACTS
THE BUILDING COMMITTEE LISTENED
When the old rink could not make ice in November and December, the Building Committee began a rigorous process to update, adjust and validate the project scope, assumptions, design, and cost for a new Community Rink.
The result is a project that efficiently does what we need for the lowest possible cost.
PROJECT DETAILS
- One sheet of ice = 17,000 sq ft athletic surface
- Same athletic surface used for “non-ice” summer camps & sports
- One level, no mezzanine
- Solar panels & sustainable design
- Public lobby includes skate rentals, bathrooms, & small snack bar (also serves Harris Track & Field and nearby fields)
- 4 team locker rooms for 3 seasons of BHS sports (currently in White Field House)
- 4 dressing rooms for youth, visiting teams, rec programs (currently in old rink)
- ADA accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act)
PROJECT COST
- Cost reduced by 10%
- Cost = $29.9 million; $170/yr ($14.17/mo) for $1M assessed home value
- “No frills” project scope
- 1 sheet of ice/cement & spectator stands
- Mechanical/operations rooms
- Locker/dressing rooms
- Lobby and public bathrooms
HOW TO VOTE YES ON #1 FOR THE COMMUNITY RINK
In-Person Voting: April 4th, 7am-8pm. Click here for Voting Information, including a list of polling locations (at the bottom of the page).
Mail-In Ballots: Deadline to request a ballot is Thursday, March 30th, 5pm; however, these ballots will be *mailed* so it is better to request a mail-in ballot as early as possible.
- Download the ballot request form.
- Fill it out and email it to voting@belmont-ma.gov
- Check your mailbox for the ballot.
- Click here for the video instructions for Absentee Voting.
Note: Family members can request mail-in ballots for other family members. For example, a parent can request a mail-in ballot for a college student.
Absentee Ballots: If you will not be in town or you have a disability or religious conflict that prevents you from voting on Election Day, you can vote at the Town Clerk’s office until Monday, April 3rd, 12:00pm. Click here for instructions for Mail-In Voting and Absentee Ballots.
In support of the Community Rink
PUBLIC SKATING
“My family and I went to Sunday public skating hours this winter. There was a huge crowd at the rink.
To me, it felt like being at the pool on a busy summer day. This is despite the fact that the rink offers no rentals and otherwise has limited facilities. I have no doubt that an upgraded rink will see a much greater use by the town residents.”
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
“Besides school and my home, there is nowhere in town I’ve spent more of my life. I’ve practically lived
at the rink with my hockey friends from November to March, since I was four. It’s been a special place and
a huge part of my life.”
SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM
“I have been with the S.P.O.R.T. program for 25 years. This program provides a unique opportunity for
people of all abilities to bond and form long lasting friendships. A new skating rink would provide a safe,
accommodating facility for ALL members of our community including those with special needs.”