New Haven’s Ralph Walker ice rink to reopen - for a month

The Ralph Walker Ice Rink in New Haven as seen on June 15, 2018. The Ralph Walker Ice Rink in New Haven as seen on June 15, 2018. Photo: Derek Turner / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Derek Turner / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close New Haven’s Ralph Walker ice rink to reopen - for a month 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

NEW HAVEN — The Ralph Walker Rink is set to reopen on Feb. 16, city officials said.

Phase I of the renovation of the rink will be complete by that time, according to a release by Mayor Toni N. Harp, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees Director Rebecca Bombero, and City Engineer Giovanni Zinn.

The city is set to begin laying ice once again, and the rink will re-open in time for February break, the release said.

The “newly renovated rink will stay open through mid-March, when Phase II renovations will begin. Phase II renovations are scheduled to include locker rooms (one to serve as the home of the new Division III Albertus Hockey team) and a new concessions building with a separate party room,” the release said.

Further, a grand re-opening celebration will be held on Feb. 16, with the following schedule:

1:30 p.m.: Reopening Ceremony with Mayor

2:00 p.m. : Police vs Fire Hockey Scrimmage

Open Skate times:

4 p.m. (starting after scrimmage ends)

6 p.m.

8 p.m.

According to officials: Phase I renovations included, expanded roof and ice length (now regulations size), new views of East Rock Park, new dasher boards, a new & more efficient compressor system,and updated plumbing to service existing bathrooms.