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Pittsfield has deep skating roots. Generations remember neighborhood rinks sprayed by firefighters and the iconic rink at The Common, until warmer winters made it impossible to reliably freeze the field.
In Monterey, the local fire department builds and maintains a seasonal outdoor rink. Volunteers( myself included) assemble the boards and tend the surface throughout the winter. It’ s a labor of love and a beloved community tradition.
Beyond formal rinks, families still flock to frozen ponds like Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, and others. They check ice thickness, bring thermoses of hot chocolate, and claim space for pickup games or figure-eights. It’ s spontaneous, free, and deeply New England.
Beyond the Ice: Building Character and Community
The impact of skating opportunities extends far beyond recreation. Youth hockey programs across the country have demonstrated how the sport builds confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Organizations like Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education in Philadelphia and Hockey envision design build
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98 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday 2023 2025