The dilapidated street hockey rink at Edward S. Alekel Veterans Park is gone, paving the way for an outdoor fitness court for all ages and abilities.
Starting decades ago, the rink – located off Milk Street – was hoppin’ with organized teams, pickup games and even a city-run league for kids. But time and weather definitely took a toll on this wooden structure, which became a potential danger with its broken doors and chunks of wall missing.
Last month, the entire rink was demolished and the scoreboard removed, though the metal bleachers remain.
This fall, a concrete foundation will be poured, paving the way for an outdoor gym. Parks and Rec Director Steve Angelo says visitors can enjoy a complete outdoor gym, covered in rubberized matting and outfitted with pullup bars, stability boxes and more. There will be various stations that can be utilized by people of all ages and abilities.
The new court is expected to open in the spring.
This project is being paid for with a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts’ Campaign for Fitness as well as the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding, originally estimated at $155,000.
Back in 2013, the Penguins celebrated a successful street-hockey season! ML file photo
Last winter, the city surrounded the street hockey rink with netting in an effort to keep people away from the decrepit structure. ML file photo
