Mayor Ballantyne Announces Transformation of Founders Rink into All-Ages Recreation Hub

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today announced the transformation of Founders Ice Rink into a multi-purpose recreation hub serving all ages. This exciting development comes after a successful pilot period showcasing the community's demand for diverse recreational activities.  

The Administration is proposing a significant upgrade following the rink's seasonal closure with the installation of a multi-purpose gym floor. The estimated $168,000 for this upgrade requires funding approval by the City Council and has been submitted for consideration. 

The safer, multi-use surface, will allow for a broader range of activities while retaining the option to revert back to an ice rink in the future. This transformation addresses the community's pressing need for accessible recreational space and builds upon the success of recent programming initiatives. Because Somerville is a two-rink community, Veterans Memorial Rink, which is next door to Founders, will also continue to offer ice hockey and skating to the City and region. 

"Founders will be a game changer for us," said Mayor Ballantyne. "We are filling the gap from what Founders was to what it can be, restoring access to vital recreational opportunities for all Somerville residents. We still have a long-term goal to establish a community center in our city, but we also need solutions right now. Founders makes smart use of current resources to provide the recreation space that residents need today." 

Recent successful programs demonstrated the community's enthusiasm for diverse recreational offerings at the site. Popular pickleball sessions for all ages, a well-attended Fall Festival, and a dynamic Women in Sports Day featuring local high school volunteers drew significant participation. And when summer camp spots filled up this past summer, staff quickly set up the SomerSpot program at Founders providing 44 children enriching summer camp programs who otherwise would have been turned away. 

Somerville’s two ice rinks have traditionally served both local athletes and residents for ice sports, as well as regional users including hockey leagues. The administration is confident Veterans Rink, as well as rinks in neighboring communities, can continue to well serve Somerville ice users and regional hockey leagues, which serve both Somerville and area players, while Somerville residents interested in other activities gain access to Founders.   

“Together these two rinks can serve the full range of activities from hockey and ice skating to dance, pickleball, indoor weather-protected senior fitness, teen clubs, and more,” said Ballantyne. 

The Founders recreation hub will feature an expanded program lineup, including: 

• Fitness and Wellness: Zumba, yoga, cardio, senior walking, and dance classes
• Sports: Futsal, badminton, volleyball, basketball, street hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and pickleball
• Community Events: Dances, inclusive bike days, roller skate nights, and themed parties like the upcoming 80s Glow Party in May
• Youth and Teen Programs: After-school and summer programming with a focus on both sport/fitness as well as games and puzzles and creative arts
• Intergenerational Programs: Activities designed to increase cooperation, interaction, and knowledge between any two generations.  

 
The center will offer programming spring, summer, and fall throughout the day, catering to various age groups: preschoolers and seniors in the mornings, teens in the afternoons, adult athletics in the evenings, and family-friendly activities on weekends. The spring schedule will be posted soon to somervillema.myrec.com.  

"Our vision is to create a vibrant recreation hub for all ages," said Parks & Recreation Director Sue Yerkes. "We want to provide consistent space for a broad range activities, complementing the existing outdoor field and water plays areas and creating a new gathering place where people can make community connections." 

All Invited to Take the Recreation Survey 

Whether you or your family are regular participants in Parks & Recreation programming or you haven't tried a program yet, the City wants to better understand how to meet your needs. Your feedback will help staff adjust existing recreation programs and develop new ones. The survey should take about five minutes. The survey is available in multiple languages at bit.ly/somervillerecsurvey .  

Visit the Somerville Parks & Recreation website at https://somervillema.myrec.com for info on upcoming programs and more. 

Accessibility 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

Interpretation and Translation via SOIA 

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.