Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

August 25, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mayor Inspects Upgrades at Haverhill Veterans Memorial Skating Rink
New Boards, Glass, Lighting in Place at Popular Rink

HAVERHILL- Mayor James J. Fiorentini visited the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink to see first-hand the new boards and glass that ring the ice surface. This $91,000 project, funded by a City bond, was completed on Friday, August 21.

“It’s great to see another significant capital improvement completed,” noted Mayor Fiorentini. “These improvements will add to the safety of the facility, and increase the rink’s attractiveness as a destination for skaters, hockey leagues and other users. The increased usage fees will help pay off the bonds,” added the Mayor.

Skaters, hockey players, parents, Haverhill High Hockey boosters and others had long sought the replacement of the boards and glass, which were the original boards installed in the rink in 1972. In addition, the City is using federal Stimulus funds to install energy efficient lighting around the facility, which will improve lighting and reduce energy costs.

Haverhill Rink superintendent Daniel Archambault, hockey booster Don Wilson, Vice President of Haverhill-Pentucket Youth Hockey John O’Neil, Hunking student and Haverhill-Pentucket Youth Hockey player Conor O’Neil, Mayor James J. Fiorentini, Brandon Crowther of the New England Predators hockey team, Haverhill Public Schools Superintendent Raleigh Buchanan and New England Predators President Scott Crowther.

The Mayor was joined by hockey boosters, youth hockey league officials and by representatives of the largest rink customer, the New England Predators youth hockey team, all of whom were anxious to get a first look at the recently-renovated facility.

The upgraded Veterans Memorial Skating Rink