SAUGUS ― With the holiday season approaching, the folks at Kasabuski Memorial Ice Rink are making sure future generations will enjoy a town staple much like the generations before them ― to the tune of $4.5 million in improvements in state funding.
Improvements began on June 1 with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliance principally in mind. Enterprise Equipment is also responsible for doing a complete overhaul of the rink-refrigeration equipment, which is to be furnished by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
As for ADA-specific renovations, the new locker rooms will be handicap accessible, as will the coaches’ locker room. Concession stand windows will also be lowered for increased handicap accessibility. There will also be an external window for the concession stand to allow those in the area to enjoy. A ramp will also be added to the new, three-tier bleachers.
The rink will also undergo HVAC upgrades; renovations to the locker room, concession stand, lobby; the installation of emergency exits, new lighting over the ice, and a new fire-protection system that includes sprinklers.
Enterprise Equipment Senior Vice President Matt Alberti said he was excited about the upgrades.
“We’ve taken this building and really demolished it to the shell,” he said. “People can now use this facility more than just in the winter,” Alberti said.
Enterprise will be replacing everything from mechanical, electrical, and gas piping features, in addition to replacing everything inside.
Kasabuski Ice Rink was originally constructed in 1960 as an outdoor rink. In 1968 it became enclosed and was dedicated to the Kasabuski brothers, Saugus natives who lost their lives in World War II.
In 1960, when the rink was built, there was a refrigerated floor under the ice, which was accomplished by installing tubing all throughout the floor so that it pumps cold air which freezes the concrete; the ice is then installed on top of it.
The system failed in 1983, so the rink managers decided to build on top of the existing scheme and install a similar floor ― that floor failed 5 years ago, and they placed a temporary mat on top instead.
“There are like three refrigeration systems that we had to jackhammer out,” Albert explained. “We then removed slabs and slabs of concrete that went down almost two and half feet.”
James Alcott, a Saugus local, is very familiar with Kasabuski. Alcott played hockey for Saugus High School back in the ’80s. In Alcott’s senior year in 1985, his team was the first Saugus High team to play at Kasabuski. Alcott also raised sons who grew up and played in Kasabuski arena.
“That’s a good thing, because that rink was run into the ground,” Alcott said of the renovations. “You would go to a game and the glass was so dirty you couldn’t see anything.”
Senior Saugus hockey player Chris Ragnetta also was excited to see the place he grew up in soon flourish for future high school players.
“I know they are putting a huge effort in to get that rink back into its glory days,” said Ragnetta. “As a senior hockey player at Saugus High School, I’d love to see the locker room rebuilt and up and running.”
Enterprise has been working closely with the Kasabuski family, and Alberti said they have come by to express their appreciation. In addition, Alberti said the team working on these renovations all have their own connection to this rink.
“There isn’t one person here that hasn’t played here,” he said.
Hannah Chadwick can be reached at [email protected].
