Waltham moves to secure control of Veterans Memorial Skating Rink

State Representative Thomas Stanley of Waltham announced he has filed legislation to protect the long-term recreational use of the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink at 295 Totten Pond Road.

Working with Middlesex District Representative John Lawn and Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy, Stanley petitioned the State House on March 23. House Bill H5315 would give the City of Waltham a right of first refusal for an upcoming 30-year lease renewal with the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.

When the current lease expires, Waltham would get the first chance to take over the lease before anyone else, such as a private or outside entity. 

The Waltham Veterans Memorial Skating Rink has been a fixture in the community for more than two decades. It’s a state-owned facility under the Department of Conservation and Recreation and has served as the primary location for Waltham High School Hockey, Waltham Youth Hockey and public skating.

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight for review.