The city is preparing to close the popular Ralph Walker Skating Rink this winter, to work toward improving the operation for the future.
That’s the word from city Chief Administrative Officer Mike Carter and parks chief Rebecca Bombero.
They said they’re waiting to make the final decision until they receive a report in coming from a consultant with a plan to repair and upgrade the 1080 State St. ice-skating rink, which they said lost around $50,000-$60,000 last winter.
Their expectation is that the rink will remain closed for this winter season while the city issues a request for proposals or qualifications from a new vendor. On Aug. 31 the city ended its contract with the previous private company hired to run the facility, Rink Management Solutions.
Paul Bass Photo
Bombero: A better day coming.
The rink needs “considerable” repairs, according to Bombero. Its chillers have been failing, for instance, and the pump starter is no longer operable.
“We could fix it for a couple hundred thousand of dollars,” but it might make more sense to spend more to modernize it to draw more visitors, Carter said. “A lot of communities are reevaluating their skating rinks. Some are doing well. Some are not doing well.”
Neighbor Melissa Goodall, a longtime user of the rink, said she was “crushed” to learn she couldn’t book an annual skating party there this coming season.
Allan Appel Photo
Skating champ Lucinda Ruh and her students at Ralph Walker in 2011.
“I have been skating at the Walker Rink since the ‘70s, and really loved having it as a go-to family fun and community spot in our neighborhood,” she recounted. “It was so great to be able to walk to the rink and spend time with friends and community from throughout the city. I am crushed that we will miss that this year.”