The wheels have already begun to spin toward the new ice rink expected in the city of Keene, New Hampshire.
Keene Ice is a non-profit group of local enthusiasts who currently work towards bringing the ice arena to Keene.
An arena has been considered, by some members of the Keene community, to be financially beneficial due to the tourism it may spark in the surrounding areas. Having the ability to enjoy skating year-round can allow people of all ages to enjoy something that they would usually have to go out in order to find.
The enthusiasm over the possibility of a rink in Keene has been displayed, as over 1,000 people have contacted Keene Ice and voiced how excited they are about the new arena, according to keeneice.com. Members of the Keene Ice organization have been working with community leaders and city officials in order to keep this momentum going, as stated on the website.
The Equinox / File Photo:
Keene State College athletes can benefit from this new rink for practices.
Daniel V. Scully is involved in the building process of the arena. Scully said, “The arena’s opening day has yet to be determined, but should be around eight to nine months after construction begins.” Scully explained the location for the arena and stated, “The arena would be between the police station and the Department of Public Works.” Scully added Keene Ice is responsible for a bulk of the funds raised so far.
“Keene Ice has been raising money to fund the build. Also, they will manage all events that take place in the arena,” Scully said.
Scully added, “I’m very excited about it. The community has been trying for ten years to get an ice rink. People travel pretty far distances to get to different ice rinks; having this one built will bring it home for them.” The “them” Scully refers to are Keene residents.
Another person involved with the process to get the arena is Keene State College’s Hockey Head Coach, Bobby Rodrigue. “I’m really excited for the rink to be built,” Rodrigue said, “I have participated in some of the design processes going on tours of different rinks to get ideas and sharing my experience from other rinks.”
Rodrigue added having a rink in Keene will create more ice time for his athletes at a more convenient location. As it is now, KSC athletes must travel for practice.
Other groups in Keene besides the Owls expect to use the rink. The Youth Hockey organization and high school teams at Keene High School and Monadnock Regional High School will all be able to access the local ice rink.
Nick Martin can be contacted at nmartin@keene-equinox.com