John & Dede Howard Ice Arena

Public skating at John & Dede Howard Ice Arena: the next 7 days

Currently out of season The City's page says the arena is closed for the 2025/26 season and says to see skaters in November; no 2026/27 opening day or hours are published yet. Checked on 4 October 2026. Official schedule update

A flooded lot turned covered rink in Whittlesey Park

Ice skating at the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena's site goes back further than the building itself: the vacant lot was historically flooded and transformed into a large outdoor skating rink. In 2001, a donation from local residents John and Dede Howard made it possible to create a covered ice rink with boards, an enclosed warming area and restrooms.

Improvements since then added locker rooms, lockers in the warming area, a party room, a concession stand and better boards and glass. Skaters like that the NHL-sized rink is open air but has a roof overhead, and the fireplace in the warming area is a favorite. Visiting teams often note how much they enjoy playing in an outdoor rink as a change of pace.

Because it is open air, ice skating is not available year-round, and in the off season the City partners with the YMCA on a Summer Recreation Program for children. The Stick & Puck program has drawn kids as young as four and people in their 80s.

Before you head out.

Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.

A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.