By KEVIN DEVLIN
On Saturday, Feb. 6, the newly renovated Murphy Rink in South Boston was re-opened to the public. A community open house was held, along with public skating from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by two South Boston Youth Hockey Alumni Men’s League games.
The rink closed in early 2015, according to a statement from the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
Although the entire project will not be completed until the fall of 2016, final improvements will include additional locker room facilities, including shower areas and a referee’s room, a new skate shop, a new concession area, improvement to existing warming room building, protective glass for the small rink, new handicap accessible team bench areas and rink access, as well protective netting around all rink areas.
The original price tag for this Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) renovation project was $2.5 million, but with unforeseen additional repairs necessitating change orders, the final price may eventually soar to about $5 million.
The rink is half a century old, according to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. It opened in 1965.DCR Commissioner Leo Roy described it now as “one of the premier skating rinks in Massachusetts.”
“The new and improved Murphy Rink will allow for over 40 hours of free, public skating every week; in addition to team practices, games, and tournaments,” he said in a statement for http://www.canadian-casinos.org/online-slots.
Public skating will be available on the small rink on weekdays from 3:30 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Skate rentals and skate sharpening are now available. Anyone interested in scheduling ice time should contact the DCR at 617-727-5290, ext. 506.
