When it comes to looking out for local kids, Greenwood Lake residents will never let us down. This past week, two full sized hockey rinks were installed on Village property at Helen Kelly Field. The rinks are the result of an idea shared by many– give the kids of our community positive things to do, and we will get better results as these kids turn into young adults and adults.
Specifically, this project was spearheaded by local resident, Duncan McCarthy. Duncan and his son are incredibly enthusiastic about hockey and have seen first-hand the benefits for kids if they can have this winter activity. Duncan worked with another friend and amazing local resident, Sean Aronsen, who offered to donate 100% of the funds needed to build the rinks!
In total, Aronsen donated $10,000 for two rinks – both of which can be broken down each year, stored, and put back up the following year. So, as I type this column, the rinks have been installed and filled with water hoping for some cold weather! The intention behind two rinks is to have one rink for more competitive hockey style playing and leave the other rink for free skating and those learning to skate. There will be signs posted with necessary rules and the rinks will be under video surveillance for safety purposes (a camera has always been there on the park). I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in making this happen – and thank Sean for his unwavering commitment to the kids of Greenwood Lake.
The above column, written by Village of Greenwood Lake Mayor Jesse Dwyer, has been published in the Jan. 22 issue of the Warwick Valley Dispatch.
