Brookline's Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink Design Review Committee (DRC) met for the fourth time on Nov. 2, with a key vote scheduled on whether to advance the rink's proposed design to the pricing stage.
The meeting agenda called for a presentation covering landscape plans, ice rink layout, historic preservation and architectural details. A public comment period was set for 7 p.m., followed by a vote at 7:55 p.m. on "Support of the Proposed Elements to Move onto Pricing."
The town has not yet posted a summary of the meeting's outcome on its project page. A recording of the session is available through that page.
What led to this point
The DRC, chaired by David Pearlman with co-chairs Clara Batchelor and Jason Bowers, has been guiding the redesign of the outdoor rink at Larz Anderson Park since June 2026. Maryann Thompson Architects leads the design team.
Town Meeting approved Community Preservation Act funding in May 2025 to advance the design work, public process and construction bid documents for the rink, its buildings and the restoration of surrounding historic structures, according to the town's project page.
The rink has been in operation since 1958. Its infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and relies on external chillers, the town said. The site also has limited accessible routes and buildings that need upgrades.
Decisions from earlier meetings
At the third DRC meeting on Sept. 16, the design team presented updates to the building floor plan. The revised layout included a side ticket window, an enlarged central gathering area, defined locker rooms and an expanded skating rental and office area. The Zamboni shed was reduced in size to create space for outdoor seating and indoor rink storage. The DRC supported the revised layout with minor revisions requested, according to the town's project page.
The committee also voted at that meeting not to add accessible pathways near the historic Italianate Garden balustrades. The DRC asked the town to explore accessible access from the pinetum instead, to avoid altering historic landscape features.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the proposed ice rink layout at the September meeting. Members requested a site visit, which took place Oct. 27 at the rink.
At the second meeting on July 30, the committee chose to keep the existing gable roof style over a proposed butterfly roof design.
What's next
The fifth DRC meeting is listed on the town's project page for Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. After the DRC suggests a final concept plan, it goes to the Building Commission, Preservation Commission, Park and Recreation Commission and the Select Board for review and a vote.
