Puck drops on inaugural season of
newly-renovated roller rink
On Friday, April 19, the Garden City Recreation Department unveiled another successful project at the Community Park—the renovated roller rink. Kevin Ocker, chair of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs along with Mayor John Watras, Garden City trustees, the Roller Rink Replacement Committee and League Coordinator Andrew Karen dropped the first puck to kick off the hockey season.
The rink is home to more than 350 hockey players ranging in age from kindergarten through adult. With a new scoreboard, sound system, playing surface and end boards the rink will now be another showcase for Garden City. In addition to the leagues, residents are also allowed to use the rink during open time for their own use.
The unveiling was the culmination of Phase II of the hockey rink redevelopment project that was completed as scheduled. In September 2012, the board unanimously awarded the rink replacement bid to Philip Ross Industries, Inc. The company came highly recommended, according to Ocker, having just completed the $2.2 million pool contract. De Bruin Engineering P.C. did the preliminary design, cost estimate and construction documents for bidding.
The project could not have been brought to fruition without the hard work of many people and Ocker pointed to the efforts of the Roller Rink Replacement Committee made up of Walter Beal, Peter Curtin, Walter McKenna, Kevin Ryan, Bill Lucano, Jim Valente and Mike McGowan. This group was a driving force but there was also tremendous support of the village trustees, Mayor John Watras, Bob de Bruin, Chris Markin, Sandy Young and league coordinator Andrew Karen.
In addition to the efforts of the many individuals mentioned above, the project could not have been possible without the support of the many local sponsors whose names now grace the sideboards of the rink. The key sponsor, TCBY of 7th Street, not only has the spot on the boards at center ice but also contributed greatly to the new uniform jerseys. Other sponsors adorning the boards and contributing to the successful opening of the rink are Play It Again Sports, Bear Creek Country Kitchens, Seventh Street Gourmet Deli and Caterers, Grimaldi’s, Uptown Grille, the Garden City Bistro, the Connolly Clan and Sportloft.
After the ceremonial red ribbon was cut by Mayor Watras, along with the help of some of the excited players, those in attendance were treated to a well-played first game – one of many that will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
