Ice Rink, Recreation Facility Proposed For Medford Fells

MEDFORD, MA – Officials are reviewing a proposal from two neighboring youth hockey groups to build a 5-acre ice rink and recreational facility in the Medford part of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. The facility would be built off South Border Road in the 90mm site and include the rink, parking for nearby trails, a ranger outpost, meeting space and a possible dog park, the Medford Transcript reported.

The project is being proposed by Winchester Youth Hockey and the Friends of the Winchester Ice Rink. A brochure for the proposal argues that it will "unlock inaccessible trails and areas of the Fells for greater appreciation and use," according to the Transcript.

But the proposal is not without its detractors. State Rep. Paul Donato told the Transcript he is "skeptical" about the project and Mayor Stephanie M. Burke opposes it. The Friends of the Middlesex Fells released a statement late last month citing the negative traffic and nature impacts the project could have on the area.

The proposal is under consideration by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

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