Sports

DCR Rejects Proposed Middlesex Fells Ice Rink

Two nearby hockey groups proposed a 5-acre recreation facility in Medford's part of the Middlesex Fells.

MEDFORD, MA – State officials have turned down a proposed 5-acre ice hockey rink and recreation facility in the Medford part of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Leo Roy announced Tuesday he is rejecting the proposal from Winchester Youth Hockey and the Friends of the Winchester Ice Rink, according to the Medford Transcript's Miranda Willson.

The hockey groups submitted the proposal for the Department of Conservation and Recreation's consideration earlier this year. It called for building a rink, parking for nearby trails, a ranger outpost, meeting space and a possible dog park on land off South Border Road known as the 90mm site.

A brochure for the proposal argued that it would "unlock inaccessible trails and areas of the Fells for greater appreciation and use."

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But the project had many detractors, including Mayor Burke and the city council, who were concerned about the potential impacts to the area's plant and animal species and open space.

Image via Shutterstock

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