It has to be special if Gritty is involved. Earlier this month, the beloved Philadelphia Flyers mascot joined Mayor Jim Kenney, Comcast Spectacor Chairman Daniel Hilferty and City Council President Darrell L. Clarke celebrated the completion of a $2.5 million project to remodel the Fishtown Recreation Center hockey rink. The project is part of the city’s half-billion dollar City Rebuild Program.
Hockey, futsal and pickleball fans of all ages now have access to a new rink in North Philadelphia. The rink has been fully renovated from floor to ceiling with state-of-the-art materials to keep up with the sport’s demanding wear and tear.
After the ribbon cutting, the Philadelphia Flyers embraced the local community with outdoor games and inflatables.
“Philadelphia is a sports city through-and-through and sports play a critical part in supporting our young people to grow, thrive, and build their futures,” Mayor Jim Kenney said. “From new mini soccer pitches to artificial turf football fields, and today Fishtown Recreation Center’s completely renovated outdoor hockey rink, Rebuild has engaged with the community to plan and update each site in accordance to the needs of the neighborhood. I am thrilled to re-open this updated rink for the community to enjoy for years to come.”
Clarke was especially pleased by the project which is located in his home, the 5th District.
“The reopening and remodeling of the hockey rink at Fishtown Rec Center is very important for this community,” Clarke said. “Philadelphia has a proud history when it comes to ice hockey, and we want to thank the Philadelphia Flyers along with Rebuild for the partnership and the work. Who knows? Maybe the next Bobby Clarke or Claude Giroux will develop their hockey skills right here in Fishtown. This is a very good day for this neighborhood, and we’re grateful for the investment and the work.”
The improvements at Fishtown Recreation Center Rink brought a new concrete deck and roof, updated pier work, Dasher boards, railings and lighting. The new surface has striping for hockey, futsal and pickleball and improved handicap accessibility.
The upgrades give the area a renewed commitment to fitness and the area’s youth.
“Hearing nostalgic stories from local community members lights a fire into why Rebuild is doing the work we are,” said Rebuild Executive Director Kira Strong said. “To know past and future generations will now have the ability to make memories that they will later pass on to their kids shows the true heart and soul of these site locations. Keeping traditions and the history alive is top of mind during all of Rebuild’s work.”
The Fishtown Recreation Center is a 1.4-acre site that includes playground equipment, basketball courts, a sprayground, picnic area and multi-use hockey rink.
Hilferty, whose role with Comcast includes the title of Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers, understands the value of investing in the city.
“Sports and team-building activities are so vital to the growth and development of our community’s youngest members, so we applaud the City for their efforts to create spaces for kids to play and learn safely,” Hilferty said. “Giving back to the community has been core to the Flyers since the team was started, and we are proud to support this great resource that will not only grow the game of hockey but positively impact youth in Philadelphia for many years to come.”
Gritty, who entertained the crowd gathered for the grand reopening, was not available for comment.
