A long-sought goal for Norwood’s skating community moved closer to reality in July 1972 as plans for a privately-owned indoor ice rink were confirmed for the Access Road site near the Norwood Airport.
Following the rejection of a previous municipal bid to have a rink built under the state Department of Natural Resources, the town’s skating committee found new hope in a proposal from Milton developer Robert K. Bold. The appeals board had granted Bold a special permit in February to construct a $650,000 facility in a designated manufacturing zone across from the airport.
The proposed steel structure, measuring 240 feet by 100 feet, was designed to house a comprehensive suite of ice sports facilities, including four locker rooms, a pro shop, and skate sharpening services. With spectator seating for 350 people, the rink was slated to operate seven days a week, ten months out of the year, with hours extending from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. to accommodate high demand. Mr. Bold emphasized that while the facility would primarily serve youth hockey teams and offer public skating time, it was not designed to accommodate high school games, focusing instead on practice time and public figure skating.
Despite initial delays in securing state Department of Public Health approval and navigating financial hurdles—challenges noted by former associate Thomas Egan—Mr. Bold remained confident in the project’s viability. He announced plans to apply for a building permit the following month, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter. Looking ahead, Mr. Bold predicted that the community would be skating on the new ice by November 1972, providing a significant boost for local youth hockey and ice skating enthusiasts who had been eager for a dedicated facility within the town limits.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Milton Developer Plans Indoor Ice Rink for Norwood-July 12, 1972
The proposed 240-by-100-foot steel arena aims to serve youth hockey teams and the public, with an anticipated opening in November 1972.
-
Norwood’s Noah Hanifin Drafted Fifth Overall in NHL Draft-June 30, 2015
For Norwood native Noah Hanifin, a lifelong dream is coming true. The 18-year-old defenseman was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the fifth overall pick in the NHL Draft on Friday, marking a major milestone in what many expect will be a standout professional career. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Hanifin just wrapped up an…
-
MSHCA Hall calls for Clifford-May 10, 2013
Last Sunday evening, in a ceremony held at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham, Norwood High boys hockey coach Bill Clifford was recognized by the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association. Along with several other first-rate Bay State hockey coaches, Clifford was inducted into the MSHCA Hall of Fame in the 41st annual event. Joining Clifford in a…
-
Norwood Hockey Player Matt Brown Severely Injured-January 23, 2010
Varsity hockey player Matt Brown suffered a severe injury during the team’s game against Weymouth at Pilgrim Arena in Hingham. According to Coach Bill Clifford, the sophomore was attempting to retrieve the puck behind the net when he collided with players from both teams. As a result, Brown lost his balance and struck his head…
-
Year off proved busy, productive, for Tim Lovell-April 2, 1995
Junior hockey season readied Norwood youth for career at Maine Tim Lovell did what a few youngsters do between high school and college. He took a yearoff. He could have gone directly to college, but he decided not to take that route. It was not that Lovell was confused or unsure of himself. He had…
-
Norwood Selectmen Authorize Teen Roller Hockey Games at Norwood Depot Parking Lot-August 11, 1994
Following a request by resident Joseph Fitzgerald and support from the MBTA, Norwood selectmen unanimously voted to allow teenagers to play weekend roller hockey in the lighted parking lot behind Norwood Depot.
-
Richie Hebner Denied Norwood High Hockey Coach Position-July 24, 1986
Former major league baseball star and Norwood hometown hero Richie Hebner was passed over for the Norwood High School hockey coach position. ⠀ The school committee unanimously appointed assistant coach Robert Lovell to lead the program following a recommendation by the selection committee.
-
Gormley Named Norwood Ice Coach-June 25, 1984
Former BC High and Stoughton Mentor Tapped to Succeed Alvin Crowell at High School Helm James Gormley, former head hockey coach at Boston College High School and Stoughton High School, has been appointed head hockey coach at Norwood High School. James Gormley, who lives in Norwood, was previously a Norwood freshman-jayvee hockey coach, marking a…
-
Goalies Owe Some Saves to Higgins-November 8, 1977
If Ernie Higgins had known the man in the iron mask, the long-suffering prisoner might have been a standout in the National Hockey League. Alexander Dumas, of course, knew nothing about ice hockey, fiberglass or frozen pucks that travel at 120 miles per hour, but Higgins is an expert. “I stand behind the glass at…
-
Martin Life of Norwood’s Party-March 21, 1972
Last week, after Norwood had defeated Arlington for the Eastern Mass. hockey championship, the Norwood School Committee took an optimistic look into the future. Monday night, March 20, would be the state final against the Western Mass. Division One champ. It would be duck soup, so the school committee called off school (anticipating a day…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.