The bids are in and only two organizations are interested in managing the Ulin Rink. They are Curry College and the Ulin Rink management Corporation. Both are non-profit entities.

The town recently received a  5 year permit for the rink from the DCR which is getting out of the rink management business due to fiscal constraints. The rink is heavily used by a number of skating groups including but not limited to the MHS hockey teams, Learn to Skate, and Curry College.

Notably absent are commercial rink management firms. One firm, FMC, manages over 15 municipal rinks but is not bidding on this one. Senator Joyce, who has proposed legislation for the past 6 years, was a strong advocate for privatizing the rink, arguing that a private firm is best qualified to perform day to day operations, correct deficiencies,and add improvements. Further, there was an opportunity for a revenue share back to the town. In a letter to Senator Joyce FMC stated that one scenario could include a guarantee of $50,000 back to the town. (You can find the full text of FMC President Rob McBride’s letter here.) However, Joyce’s bill, which would grant the town a 25 year lese for $1 a year,  is in legislative limbo. As is another bill proposed by Reps Timilty and Forry that would award a 10 year lease to the town.

It is the lack of a long term committment that likely accounts for FMC or any other professional firm from responding to the proposal. Tim Kernan, who has been leading the group forming the Milton based Ulin Rink Management Corp.,  has told the Selectmen that a 5 year permit is problematic in that the short time frame does not allow for an investor to recoup the costs needed to upgrade the facility. The most serious issue being one of energy efficiency.

Currently, there is only one non-profit managing a rink (as listed on the DCR site) and that is Beaver Country Day. In conversations with residents, concerns have been percolating about both the bidding firms. Some question Ulin Rink Management’s qualifications to manage a rink and whether it has the financial resources to see it through until a long-term lease can be secured. Others question Curry College’s ongoing committment to organizations and teams that are not associated with the school. It is rumored that Curry may expand their skating offerings (e.g. Women’s teams and / or intramural teams) and that may have an impact that might have other groups in terms of access.

Town officials are hopeful that after a year or two they can demonstrate proper management and that this will help accelerate the DCR and legislature to grant the long-term lease that will provide the town with the control and security it needs.