Community Corner

Plans Moving Forward for Ice Rink at Wayland's Cochituate Field

Weather will dictate when the rink opens but the equipment has been ordered.

Skating under the winter sky will return to Wayland this winter in the form of two outdoor ice rinks to be built at Cochituate Field.

“That’s the best spot," said Mike Wegerbauer, member of the Board of Public Works. "It’s got lights, it’s got restrooms, pizza, hot chocolate [and] coffee nearby. It’s a visible location so it’s easier to monitor.”

Wegerbauer said two ice rink kits have been ordered. One is rectangular at about 50x100 feet and the other is square at about 100x100.

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Department of Public Works Director Don Ouellette suggested the possiblity of an outdoor ice rink last year, Wegerbauer said, but it was too late in the season to make it happen. This year, Wegerbauer brought it up sooner.

“It’s the time of year that people start thinking about putting up rinks in their yards," said Wegerbauer, who has built his own rink in years past. "I’m always around people who are talking about how soon they’re going to get their rink up. I think it will add some value to the town. I’ve always heard that Mill Pond used to be used.”

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Several weeks ago, the BoPW formed an Ice Rink Advisory Committee to explore locations and logistics for the rink. Suggestions such as creating a Winter Classic hockey game between Wayland and Weston as well as stick time, open skate, opening day events, a learn-to-skate event and rink rental have been mentioned.

Wegerbauer said this year, however, will likely feature fairly basic programming.

“For the first year, we should do something that’s not too complex, not too difficult and kind of see how it goes," Wegerbauer said. "If it goes well, we’ll have more time next year to plan.”

The brackets and liner will be ready for installation soon, and it's possible Ouellette will be seeking volunteers to help set up the basic equipment. Then, when the weather forecast looks promising for several cold days, DPW will fill the area with water. The depth of the water, Wegerbauer said, will affect the length of time needed for it to freeze, but it would likely be ready within five to seven days of being filled.

Wayland's DPW has the manpower to maintain the rinks, Wegerbauer said. Most of the maintanence, he anticipates, will involve clearing the snow.

At this point, the plan is to make the rink free-of-charge to use.

“I think the idea is just to have this available like a playground is available,” Wegerbauer said. "I know when my kids were much younger, it’s kind of fun to have them go out and try to skate. Makes for good holiday photos.”

The opening date of the rinks is entirely dependent on the weather. Even so, Wegerbauer said talks are underway for some sort of opening night event ... whenever that may be.


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