Ice Rink/Turf Field for Jackson Approved

The Jackson Square Recreation Center is one step closer to becoming reality after the Zoning Board of Appeals approved three variances for the project Tuesday.

“This is going to be an amazing recreational opportunity for young people. It is going to be great,” said Katie Provencher, director of community engagement for Urban Edge Housing Corporation, a co-developer along with the , the and Friends of the Kelly Rink.

Provencher added that having the variances approved was a culmination of a community process involving the Roxbury and Jamaica Plain neighborhood councils, state and city officials, and feedback from community meetings.

“All that together got us through the ZBA,” said Provencher.

The facility will be a 38,500-square-foot seasonal ice skating rink and turf field. There will also be a walking track on the second floor, which was added to the design because of community feedback. The center has an estimated price tag of $16 million. It received $5.69 million in funding from the state in November.

“That is essential, not only because it is state funding, but it is a great amount to leverage the rest of the money we need,” said Provencher.

If the fundraising efforts are successful, Provencher noted they hope to begin construction in the spring of 2013 with a projected finishing and opening date of the following spring.

“This is a valuable resource for the young people in the neighborhood,” she said.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority had , but for arcane reasons the project had to go back to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The new facility would provide a permanent, indoor home for the .