By Fred Camillo
After several decades of debate, and during a time when the Dorothy Hamill Rink is near the end of its useful life, the plan to replace the 53-year-old ice rink received Municipal Improvement (MI) status from the Planning and Zoning Commission with conditions that have to be met.
But now that approval has been appealed to the RT M by four Byram residents, one of whom actually voted for the current plan in place as a member of the rink committee.
We worked hard to get input from residents for several years. The Town put out a survey to thousands of people that came back overwhelmingly with more than 84 percent in favor of flipping the rink onto where the baseball field is currently located. This would give us not only a more affordable option, as it will cost more to rebuild the rink in its current spot due to the ledgerock underneath the building, but it will also allow us the opportunity to put solar panels on the roof, something t hat is not possible in t he present location.
Moreover, the flip would allow us to continue to offer programs at the rink that would not have to be shut down for two years like they would be if we had to renovate in the current location. The flip also gives us the opportunity to give the town its first ever showcase baseball field for public use.
In 2005, the Greenwich Baseball Foundation, of which I was a founding member, entertained Murray Cook from Major League Baseball and a former general manager of the New York Yankees. We visited the site and he showed us where a new baseball field should be placed because the current location is not good for the players because the sun gets directly in a batter’s eyes.
The proposed flip would put the field in a position that we were told would be optimal for the players, allowing Greenwich to have a showcase field to host tournaments and benefit our local athletes.
In addition to all of the much needed and positive elements of a new rink and baseball field, this project as proposed, includes many amenities that would benefit the residents of Byram. The proposed project includes more green space and a walking track/sidewalk that would go around the whole property. This would be a tremendous opportunity for people to get outdoors and enjoy themselves in this beautiful area, something that Byram residents currently do not have.
We also intend to finally enhance the memorial grove that is dedicated to the memory of local men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We want this memorial grove to get its proper attention through signage and other enhancements. Additionally, a sidewalk would connect the enhanced playground that is so popular with our young families with the walking trails and the parking lot, making everything more accessible.
Lastly, as I have stated from the beginning, we will be making this a public – private partnership so Town taxpayers do not have to cover the whole cost. Millions of dollars have been pledged from local citizens and we will make an official announcement about that shortly after the project receives final approval.
The public private partnership also includes money for the baseball field that will bring the final price tag down considerably. Delaying this project any longer runs the risk of needing an emergency appropriation of several more million dollars when and if the rink finally expires and it also risks additional money being needed due to the inflation caused by yet more delays.
The people of Greenwich have waited long enough. They have expressed their desire for a new rink, which would bring it up to the standards of other towns. The rink is considered the worst rink in Fairfield County. Greenwich can and should do better. This project will address that.
Please contact the RTM to express your support for this needed project at this. Use this link to send your comments: https://www.greenwichct.gov/FormCenter/RTM-ALLForms-82/Contact-All-RTMMembers-341
More information about the project is available https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/47536/ To-the-friends-of-skating-inGreenwich-1-10-25.
