On Tuesday, Sept. 7, just before school opened, an estimated 100 skaters glided across new ice at the reopening of Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. The Summer Street rink, operated by the town's Recreation Department, underwent $1 million renovation this summer, the first major changes since its construction in 1970.

Changes include a new refrigeration system and boilers. They improve the rink's ice quality. The rink will be open from the beginning of August to the end of April, adding a month to each end of the season.

The reflective ceiling helps keep cold air in.

The rink itself got a new bed, boards and glass. The surface was increased from 185 to 197 feet, making it 3 feet short of an NHL rink.
The penalty boxes and time keeper's box were moved to the opposite side of the ice from the player benches, allowing the benches to be expanded to the regulation 30 feet long.

Stands were removed behind one goal to accommodate the larger rink, but the seating is being moved to a corner, so capacity is expected to remain the same.

The renovations were funded by $500,000 from the town's capital improvement fund and a $500,000 long-term bond, to be paid back with the rink's fees.

Rink fees are to remain the same this coming year.

In addition to public skating, the rink is used by the Arlington High School and Arlington Catholic hockey teams and by Arlington Youth Hockey.