sport
Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill Backs 40,000-Square-Foot Ice Rink Plan
The Olympic champion's comments at a March budget hearing add momentum to the push for a replacement facility sized at more than 40,000 square feet.
How we reported this
Dorothy Hamill delivered support for a replacement ice rink during a public hearing on March 26, giving Village skaters a clear signal that the long-discussed project could move forward in time for the next winter season.
The timing matters because many local families and adult skaters rely on the current rink for regular exercise and community events. A fresh facility would allow uninterrupted programming once the old structure comes down, avoiding the gaps that have forced residents to travel elsewhere in recent years.
Project details drawn from recent hearings
The proposal includes $1.2 million for design work and $40 million for construction, according to reporting on the March 26 Board of Estimate and Taxation hearing by Patch staff writer Richard Kaufman. The new building would measure 40,671 square feet and sit within an existing park, keeping the old rink open during construction before it is replaced by parking and a reoriented ball field.
Hamill, who grew up needing to travel for indoor ice, described the community value of a local rink in her remarks. First Selectman Fred Camillo noted that discussions date back decades and that private donations could help reduce the overall cost.
Next steps for Village residents
With municipal improvement status already granted, the project now heads toward funding decisions in the fiscal year 2027 budget process. Residents interested in the timeline can follow updates from the Hamill Rink Task Force, which has already held dozens of meetings to gather input.
Skating groups and families should watch for announcements on temporary programming options while construction proceeds, ensuring the transition does not interrupt the winter schedule.