Committee Formed To Keep Stamford Ice Rink Running

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor David Martin announced Tuesday a committee has been formed to "ensure Terry Conners ice rink remains in service and financially solvent" for the foreseeable future. The group has been named the Terry Conners Continued Operations Committee.

In a statement, Martin said the committee was created following ongoing cuts made to city services, including the rink, by the city's finance board in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"Terry Conners Rink provides immeasurable value to our residents but requires a long-term financial plan to ensure it stays operational," Martin said in a statement. "This committee will consider and discuss a variety of options and prepare an RFP for potential partnerships with rink operators or nonprofits to ensure Terry Conners stays operational."

Members of the committee will include: a member of the Board of Finance, a member of the city's Board of Representatives, a representative from the city's legal department, Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden, Parks Superintendent Jennifer Williams and Special Assistant to the Mayor Laura Burwick.

The rink, which is currently owned and managed by the city, has reported "significant financial losses," city officials said. The rink was closed earlier this year due to the spread of the virus, also referred to as COVID-19.

"The city of Stamford continues to look for methods of reducing costs for taxpayers financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, without eliminating critical services," city officials said in a statement.