West Hartford Ice Rink Fee Increases Approved By Town Council

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford residents and nonresidents will pay higher admission and ice rental fees at Veterans Memorial Skating Rink beginning this fall after the West Hartford Town Council unanimously approved a revised fee schedule at its last meeting.

The council voted 7-0 on June 23 to adopt the new rates, which will take effect Sept. 1.

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According to a report from West Hartford Town Manager Richard C. Ledwith, the rink attracts more than 15,000 visitors annually and is the only municipally owned and operated ice rink within a 25-mile radius of West Hartford.

Officials said the increase is intended to help offset rising labor, utility and supply costs while keeping the facility competitive with privately operated rinks in the region.

The town estimates the revised fee schedule will generate approximately $82,600 in additional annual revenue based on 2025 usage.

Among the approved changes:

• Resident child public skating admission will increase from $7 to $8.
• Resident adult admission will increase from $8 to $9.
• Nonresident child admission will increase from $9 to $11.
• Nonresident adult admission will increase from $10 to $12.
• Senior admission will increase from $7 to $8.
• Afternoon advanced figure skating sessions will increase from $18 to $20.
• Resident 10-visit passes will increase from $70 to $80.
• Nonresident 10-visit passes will increase from $90 to $100.
• Prime-time ice rentals will increase from $410 to $475 per hour.
• Non-prime ice rentals will increase from $375 to $395 per hour.

Town officials noted that Veterans Memorial Skating Rink continues to offer discounted rates for residents, unlike several privately owned regional competitors that use simpler pricing structures with few or no residency discounts.

The report also highlighted subsidies the town provides to local skating organizations.

West Hartford Youth Hockey receives a 20% discount on ice rentals, amounting to approximately $45,000 annually, while the town allows the three West Hartford high school hockey teams to use the rink at no charge, representing an estimated $110,000 annual subsidy.

Combined, the rink provides about $155,000 in annual community subsidies.

Ledwith said rink fees had not been updated since Sept. 1, 2024, and noted that Connecticut's minimum wage has increased about 8% during that period and is scheduled to rise again on Jan. 1, 2027.

The rink is also undergoing a major renovation to improve the facility.

In approving the resolution, council members agreed the revised fee schedule would help address increasing operating expenses while maintaining affordable access for West Hartford residents.

For the minutes of the June 23 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.