According to Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe, this decision was taken only after extensive consultations initiated by the arena association, and with the goal of meeting user needs and continuing to make the arena a viable community operation.
“We tremendously respect the work and commitment of the Queens Memorial Arena Association since the 1960s, and especially its Chairman Atwood (Put) Dexter, who was an original member. We are pleased to have worked together on this transition to ensure this vital community asset remains operational.”
Queens Memorial Arena was opened Feb. 1, 1971 after a concerted community effort to fundraise for this new facility. For many years it was a model of self-sustainability, but advancing age and rising costs have made it difficult for the rink to continue without significant support from the Region of Queens.
“The Region has been very generous in its financial support of arena operations in recent years,” says Mayor Leefe, “including purchasing a new chiller and paying for summer maintenance, including salaries, for the past two summers.”
After the Region of Queens Municipality was presented with choices in early June, which included a request from the Association for funds beyond the $ 20,000 budgeted this fiscal year or assuming arena operations, council decided to accept the request of the association to assume full management of the facility.
“In making its decision, council agreed with the association that the Region was in the best position to keep Queens Memorial Arena operational,” says Mayor Leefe, adding, “We must and will ensure a strong ice-related user base to contribute to the viability of Queens Place.”
Management of the Arena will be conducted under the auspices of the Recreation and Community Facilities Department staff, which will be meeting with prime users shortly to discuss their ice rental needs. Anyone interested in booking ice this fall and winter should contact that department at 354-5741, while the number for the arena remains unchanged at 354-4444.
Region of Queens takes over arena
After serving the community of Queens with distinction for the past 40 years, the Queens Memorial Arena Association has asked the Region of Queens Municipality to assume arena operations beginning immediately.
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