When the lights dim over Shrub Oak Memorial Park, the echo of skates on concrete once signaled a thriving hub for youth hockey in the region. Built in 2001, the rink served as a gathering place for families, coaches and aspiring players until years of wear left it in disrepair.
Now a group of neighbors, led by longtime volunteers, has drafted an ambitious multi‑phase plan to demolish the crumbling surface, repair drainage, pour a new concrete slab equipped with sub‑slab refrigeration, and install a durable aluminum rink system beneath a protective canopy that would allow year‑round use.
The first phase, estimated at $566,000, focuses on site preparation and the installation of the refrigerated slab, a critical step that would lay the groundwork for the subsequent $784,000 of upgrades, including the canopy and ancillary facilities.
Funding for the project hinges on a New York State Environmental Protection Fund grant that caps awards at $675,000, with the organizers anticipating a total investment of about $1.35 million. In addition to the EPF application, the group is pursuing complementary grants and seeking public‑private partnerships to bridge the financing gap.
Community backing is being solicited through letters of support that must be submitted by July 24, a deadline that could prove decisive for the grant review. Residents argue that the restored rink would fill a regional void, offering a rare venue for organized hockey and recreational skating.
If successful, the revitalized rink would not only restore a piece of local heritage but also create a versatile space for events, tournaments and community gatherings, reinforcing the park’s role as a central gathering point.
A Vision Takes Shape
The coalition’s blueprint, presented to the Yorktown Town Board, outlines a phased approach that balances immediate infrastructure needs with long‑term sustainability, ensuring that the rink can serve future generations without recurring costly repairs.
Local officials have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the project aligns with broader recreational development goals and could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the state.