Westfield Opens Skating Rink

WESTFIELD, NJ - The transformation of the basketball courts in Gumbert Park is complete and the temporary ice skating rink opened for business in Westfield on Thursday. While the official ribbon cutting ceremony isn't scheduled until Sunday, the rink was open at 8 a.m. for adult hockey.

"The opening ceremony takes place on Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. with live music, an official ribbon cutting, and a figure skating demonstration," Mayor Shelley Brindle said. "The NJ Devils mascot will also be on hand along with former Devils captain Bruce Driver for autographs and photos, and there will be public skating from 2:30-4 p.m. with discounts on admission and skate rentals."

According to officials, the temporary, full-sized ice rink on the basketball courts of Gumbert Park will stand four months from Nov. 1 to March 1. The installation of the temporary ice rink on a four month trial basis enables Westfield to benefit from an existing underutilized asset to provide a recreation facility to the community, at almost no cost to taxpayers. If the rink actually turns a profit, Westfield will also share in the profits.

Some frequently asked questions about the rink:

Why was Gumbert Park chosen as the location?

Other sites were considered, including the parking lot at Memorial Pool. However, all the other sites in consideration were not big enough and/or would have required an initial significant upfront investment to create the required flat surface. If the Gumbert trial proves to be successful, future investment might be justified to enable it to be installed in another location.

Additionally, the Gumbert basketball court location sits just 40 feet off of North Avenue and the closest home is 220 feet away (300 feet according to Google Maps). It is adjacent to three baseball fields and some woods that separate the rink from immediate neighbors. The rink will be closest to North Ave, adjacent to the commercial business in the vicinity including retail shops and the restaurants across from Shop Rite.

Who will be using the rink?

Because Gumbert is a Green Acres Park it must be open to anyone in the State, just as it is today.

The WHS high school team and surrounding local hockey clubs will utilize the rink for practice. No high school games will be played there in order to mitigate traffic and crowd concerns.

Additionally, we expect to rent the rink out to groups on an as requested basis for fundraising, non-profit and community building events. Additional recreation programs may be offered as desired.

What are the hours of operation?

Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9:10 p.m.
Sun, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Public skating hours:
Friday, approx. 8-9:10
Sat/Sun, approx. 2:30-4pm

More details can be found on the rink calendar.

What are the parking projections and what is the solution?

The primary parking will be the lot across the street that has 48 parking spaces. There should not be more than approximately 40 kids playing at a time, so the current parking capacity should be ample. The Union Sports Arena on Route 22 has 100 parking spots which is sufficient for that facility with 2 ice rinks.

For context, when three baseball games are played simultaneously as it is today, there can be 70 kids playing at once, almost double what is projected for hockey.

Will buses be transporting teams to and from the rink? How many, how often, and where will they park?

We expect that some high schools may use a school bus to get to and from practice. In most cases, a high school program will use just 1 bus for this (occasionally 2 buses). Most weekdays will have 1 or 2 high school practice sessions. There will be very few high school practices on the weekends. Youth programs do not use buses. Buses will park in the larger lot by the baseball fields and will not be allowed to idle.

How will you ensure the area will be safe for pedestrians who may be crossing the street at night in the dark?

Union Sports Arena will be installing permanent sidewalks along the park, on both sides of South Chestnut Street. New signage for the crosswalk will be installed and additional police presence will be provided as necessary by Union Sports Arena.

Who is responsible for snow removal? Where will the snow be dumped if the parking lot is being utilized?

Union Sports Arena will be responsible for snow removal with the basketball court area, the larger parking lot by the baseball fields, and any pathways or sidewalks between the 2. The snow will be transported to an acceptable Town designated location.

Who is responsible for waste removal and utilities?

Union Sports Arena is responsible for garbage removal as well as any cost of utility installation and ongoing expenses incurred for the operation of the rink.

How will the ice rink affect the condition of the immediate area, including the playground and picnic area?

Union Sports Arena is obligated to restore the property to the same condition as it was prior to installation. There will be no usage of the playground property so it will not be impacted. Union Sports Arena has also committed to replacing the picnic tables and the surface under them.

How will agreed to terms be enforced regarding sound, litter, closing time, loitering, etc.?

We will institute a regular police patrol presence to enhance security and to ensure compliance with all agreed upon terms.

Brindle said the Westfield Rink schedule will be posted on the Town website, and you can get regular updates by following the Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

"I hope to see you on the ice in what is certain to become a fantastic new gathering spot for our community," Brindle said.

(Photo courtesy of David Allen/Patch)

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