Save The Rink: January 2010

Our Rink is in Jeopardy

Monday, January 11, 2010

Our Rink is in Jeopardy

As many of you know, the John T. Wright Arena (that's the official name of our ice skating rink) in Mackay Park in Englewood is in jeopardy of being closed. I have put up this blog as a place to keep rink supporters informed of the situation as it develops and to solicit your support in keeping the rink alive.

I invite you to get involved, be involved and stay involved. Your comments are ALWAYS welcome.

All the best,

Phillip

Why aren't there more black hockey players?

Willie O’Ree is the Jackie Robinson of hockey. Breaking the color barrier, he played his first game for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958. In an interview celebrating the 50th anniversary of this event, Willie said:

...but everybody says, “Well, why aren’t there more black players?” You have to take into consideration the geographical – where you’re born. I mean I was born in Canada. I had the availability of Ice every day. I skated to school. There were ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks that you could skate on.

The more rinks that are going to be constructed - it’s going to make it possible for more kids to get that opportunity.

Hockey’s a very unique sport. I mean, you could take a basketball and you could even dribble in this room; you could take a soccer ball and kick it around; you could take a football and make some passes. But hockey, you need to get on the ice. You need to develop your skills that are on the ice. And if you don’t get on the ice, you won’t become a hockey player.

I predict that there’s going to be more – not only black players, but players of color coming into the league in the upcoming years.

Mr. O’Ree is currently the National Hockey League’s Director of Youth Development and the hockey ambassador to NHL Diversity, a major component of the league's “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative. The NHL diversity program has pledged its support for programs in Englewood.

More comments from our friends

The ice rink is an asset to our community that's here already. It would be a big expense to get rid of the rink and build something in its place. These are not the economic times to be doing that. I'm wondering if those opposed to keeping the rink have children that use it. Probably not. Perhaps they should consider the other tax paying residents that use it & want to keep it.
My daughter, husband and I love this rink! It has a charm and character that is unlike any other in northern NJ We observe mostly families on the weekends and during the week we have been using the rink on Monday , Wed, and Friday for the public sessions, as m as my daughter is a serious figure skater. The rink provides the peace and tranquility that we have been looking for during our practices. We love the fact that the rink is outdoors as it is always best to have some fresh air and sun. We want this rink to stay and will do whatever we can to let the City of Englewood know that it is serving a wonderful outlet for many skaters, both new and experienced.
I believe it is important for the rink to have expanded hours to allow residents to use the facility especially on weekends. Programs with the public school students have to be initiated so that the rink becomes important in the lives of many. I believe the rink has great potential. My son plays hockey there 3 times a week.
Having a "Friends of the Rink" group could make it possible to refurbish he rink with a little paint, and also provide the ideas for making the rink a true community activity, with emphasis on the residents of Englewood. I would be happy to serve on such a comittee. Furthermore, at present there is a paucity of activity for developmentally developed young adults, of which my son is one. Skating could be an introduction . Please include my son as one who would like to be a Rink Friend.
As an Englewood resident whos children do not attend the public school system but who pays more than my fair share of property taxes, the ice skating rink is one of the few town benefits that I utilize and enjoy. My daughters have learned how to skate there, our family has shared many great times there and I've used the rink for playing hockey. The rink is a treasure that should not be taken from the community!

Our Rink is in Jeopardy

Save The Rink

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

One Way to Deal With City Hall

Monday, January 11, 2010

Our Rink is in Jeopardy

Why aren't there more black hockey players?

Some comments from our friends

Be a "Friend of the Rink"

More comments from our friends

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