Outdoor Ice Rink

As the winter trimester proceeded with in-person classes resuming on January 28, members of the Suffield community were pleasantly surprised by the addition of an outdoor ice rink neighboring Tisch Field House. The project was envisioned by Head of School Charlie Cahn as an opportunity for a positive diversion for Suffield Academy community members during this challenging period of time.

Along with the timeless tradition of sledding down Bell Hill, this is an exciting addition to our winter campus programming.   Greg Lynch, Dean of Students & Campus Life

Head of School Cahn explained, “We are eager to offer various activities and options for students to enjoy community life even with the many restrictions brought on by COVID-19. We felt this would help provide some fun activities during the winter months.” 

Director of Physical Plant Phil Cyr was tasked with constructing the roughly 50 by 100-foot rink, which was framed, lined, and filled with water by his talented team on staff in just four days. He commented, “The area we chose is adjacently west to our athletic field house and has an existing but moderate pitch. When Charlie Cahn brought the project to us, we acted quickly to take advantage of the incoming cold front and get it filled with water right away. We estimate it took approximately 28,00 gallons to fill. We are proud of the end result and pleased for our students.”

Dean of Students & Campus Life Greg Lynch added, “We plan to use the rink in a variety of ways, from organizing a broomball intramural league to free-skating with friends and family. Along with the timeless tradition of sledding down Bell Hill, this is an exciting addition to our winter campus programming.”