15 January, 2015
The Hopkinton Public Ice Rink was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In attendance from the Parks and Recreation Commission; Colleen Allen, Kevin Nathan and Robert Dobinski, Panning Board Member Claire Wright, Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cathy MacLeod and Selectman Todd Cestari. Parks and Recreation Chair Bob Dobinski talked about where the idea for the rink came from: "The entire idea came about from a conversation I had with Claire Wright." Bob mentioned the original idea was to have the rink on the town common but the terrain would not allow it, but that it's in the perfect spot since it can light up till 10pm.
Superintendent Dr. Cathy MacLeod was excited about the availability of a public winter activity on the school ground; "It's a wonderful opportunity for everybody, it's great to have the school buildings and school grounds being used by the community." "I like the idea of being active in the winter, that's what I grew up with and I think it's just wonderful to have these opportunities with the Parks and Recreation."
The rink started being built after the leaves stopped falling and was filled recently during a 4 or 5 day span that was cold enough to create the ice. The Fire Department, DPW and Water Department all assisted with the rink.
Longtime Ice Skater and Planning Board member Claire Wright was excited about the rink "Skating is the most wonderful outdoor sport for adults and kids, in-fact in U.S. figure skating, the adult skating community is the fastest growing group of skaters in the country, so I'm looking forward to sharing this with other people and having people get bit by the skating bug." Claire has competed with her husband in many skating competitions.
You can see more photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony at http://www.sceneinhopkinton.org/p424472617
