Norwood Skating Rink in Two to Three Years-August 1, 1971

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Realization of a municipal ice arena in Norwood may still be two to three years away, but the backing of 7,000 to 8,000 residents, 50 local organizations, and the official endorsement of selectmen and the school committee have provided strong momentum for the Skating Rink Committee. It’s only half of what I want, remarked committee chairman Thomas J. Brown Jr. regarding the slow, uphill process of collecting signatures during the summer vacation season, though he emphasized the dire need for ice facilities given that Norwood youth hockey features over 400 boys in organized play, separate school teams, a Catholic Youth Organization team of 20 boys, more than 200 boys waiting to join, numerous business leagues, players who have outgrown junior programs, and girls’ figure skating interests.

After a $3,500 request for preliminary plans for an estimated $250,000 municipally owned rink was defeated at a town meeting two years prior, the committee began exploring alternative paths, focusing heavily on securing a state-built facility through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). State officials, including state recreation bureau chief Gilbert Bliss and Robert F. Smith of the DNR, stressed the absolute necessity of demonstrated residential support. A comprehensive 80-page feasibility and attitude study conducted by Norwood resident Frank L. Walsh Jr.—who graduated from Boston College in June and consulted both state and town officials—revealed that nearly 80 percent of more than 400 surveyed residents strongly favored a DNR-built rink, with common responses praising the idea. Frank L. Walsh Jr.‘s study noted that Norwood spends approximately $40,000 annually on ice hockey, and estimated that an enclosed arena could save taxpayers over 40 percent of the costs spent across neighboring towns while potentially operating year-round if demand warranted.

The committee discussed the project with Arthur W. Brownell, commissioner of natural resources, who assured them of serious consideration if community support remained favorable. While the DNR previously constructed larger $950,000 models, Frank L. Walsh Jr.‘s research suggested the department might revalue its programs to build smaller, more affordable rinks. As a potential location, the committee proposed the 47-acre Father MacAleer’s Playground, which is adjacent to Junior High School North and capable of providing the required five to ten acres of DNR land to serve Norwood, Westwood, Walpole, and Sharon. With area legislators seeking a third $1 million DNR bond issue in the legislature—following two previous successful bond approvals—the committee planned to resume collecting signatures in the fall before returning to the selectmen and the DNR. Though it isn’t anything the kids will skate on this year, Thomas J. Brown Jr. acknowledged, the committee’s persistent efforts mean Norwood may soon be rewarded.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger