Lynch Suggests W.P.A. Project For Hockey Rink And Tennis Courts
Hockey met with the unanimous approval of many of Norwood’s officials and heads of recreational organizations, in statements made to the Free Press in recognition of the article which appeared on this page last week. It is seldom that a proposed plan of action receives such hearty approval.
Lincoln D. Lynch, Superintendent of Norwood schools, who has always been an advocate of well-systematized athletics says, “I have always considered hockey as one of the finest of competitive sports. I heartily approve of the idea of a well-organized hockey system for Norwood high school.”
Superintendent Lynch proposes the construction of a rink at the Senior high school as a W. P. A. project, picking as a site the vale situated near the southern corner of the field. This small valley easily could be made into a suitable bowl-like affair by constructing wall abutments along three sides. Superintendent Lynch -feels that with W P. A. labor the entire cost to the town would be about $300.
What makes the idea so appealing and practical is the fact that he feels that the rink could be converted into four tennis courts to be used during the spring and summer. The surface of the rink would be of amacite, a fine asphalt material which is durable and resistant to the rigors of winter weather. Permanent tennis lines could be inlaid in the surface.
With the amacitc surface it would be possible to retain an ice surface for much longer periods than with an ordinary gravel bottom, as an ice surface of only about 2 1/2 inches would be necessary for hard and fast skating purposes. Water freezes quickly on a shallow surface.
A water pipe could be led up from Nichols Street nearby, to be used to flood the rink with the small amount of water that would be necessary for ice.
Others who expressed approval of Norwood hockey are:
Leighton S. Thompson, popular principal of Norwood high, said that hockey is becoming increasingly popular, and if the necessary money can be procured, and a sound plan instituted, he sees no reason why Norwood high school shouldn’t have hockey.
Robert Riemer, vice president of the Norwood Progressive Municipal League, says, “I think the idea of Norwood hockey is an excellent one. Norwood should have such an appealing sport on its recreational program.”
Attorney Janies Curran, Secretary of the Norwood Recreational Council, says, “I’m behind the idea 100 percent, and I can assure you that the Council will be active in promoting the idea after the first of the year ”
A well-known member of the Norwood school committee, who prefers to remain anonymous at this time, says, “Norwood should have hockey, for it is a fine sport I feel sure that other members of the school board will be impressed if a sound and practical plan is presented.”
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)