Youth Skating Access at Veterans Memorial Rink

At a glance

What: An order asking the Director of Parks and Recreation to discuss cost barriers and equity constraints that keep low-income residents and local youth from programs such as public skate at Veterans Memorial Rink on early school dismissal days.
Where it stands: Approved on Thursday, June 25, 2026 (an older meeting) and sent to the Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee for discussion.
Next: committee discussion; Mayor Wilson said the City is pursuing a request for proposals for use of the Founders Rink.

All eleven councilors co-sponsored the order (26-1078), led by Councilor Strezo.
Former Somerville Youth Hockey Association president Annette McKee, sponsored by Councilor Strezo, said the rink is well built and maintained and that, as a state-owned rink, its operator FMC Ice Sports must offer public skate. She said the $5 entry fee plus $10 skate rentals is a significant cost for families, and that participation on early-release Wednesdays rose by only five skaters, which she attributed to cost or lack of awareness.
Councilor Clingan asked the administration to try to broker a deal with the operator.

City Council regular meeting minutes, June 25, 2026: https://somervillema.legistar1.com/somervillema/meetings/2026/6/3962_M_City_Council_26-06-25_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
The minutes are the Legistar versions, which carry the City's notice that they are not the official version; check with the City Clerk before relying on them.

Order approved and sent for discussion to the Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee after remarks by Annette McKee.