The Westfield Ice Rink at Gumbert Park on South Chestnut Street partially collapsed on Feb. 25, forcing the popular community rink to close weeks earlier than planned.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation by the Westfield Police Department, though officials believe recent heavy snowfall compromised the temporary roof structure that covers the rink.
“The Union County Hazardous Materials Response Team was requested to respond due to the presence of propylene glycol on-site, which is a heat transfer fluid that circulates through pipes under the rink to maintain ice temperature,” the police report stated. “It was determined there is no public health threat.”
Head Manager Marty Andersen noticed damage to the roof and immediately called 911. “Marty followed our safety procedures, immediately reached out to the tent company and canceled all activities for the evening as a precaution,” said CEO and General Manager Ken Andersen. Thanks to his quick thinking, no medical assistance was needed when 911 was dispatched at 3:45 p.m.
The rink was originally due to close for the winter season on March 8, but the collapse brought any skating activity to an abrupt halt. The Westfield community relies on the rink’s programs — including skating lessons, hockey lessons and Open Skate events — for inexpensive recreation that kicked off the careers of many WHS hockey players.
“I used to go to the rink a lot with my family and friends. It was always a place where we would go to do something fun and nearby,” said senior Ava Armento. “I feel bad for the kids who were looking forward to the last few weeks of winter ice skating like I used to.”
All operations have been transferred to the Rink’s sister facility, the Union Sports Arena. But for members of the WHS girls hockey team, the collapse brought an unexpected end to their season at a rink many players considered to be a second home.
“We never really got a chance to say goodbye,” said junior Jules Lerner. “Our coach tried to schedule some postseason games and practices, but ice time is so hard to get. We never had a moment where we knew it was our last time on the ice together. It really came as a shock — and the seniors never got their closure.”
“The Rink has been a very positive force in our community,” said WHS Girls Hockey Coach Matthew Gualtieri. “Many of our players started in a Learn to Play program there, and it also allowed thousands to have a local place to skate and even learn to play hockey.”
By now, the damaged portion of the tent has been dismantled and closure is proceeding as normal, according to Andersen. The community can look forward to the return of their favorite winter recreation when the rink reopens in October this fall.