Hammocks Park Ice Rink, Mamaroneck, NY

In the midst of the wealthy village of Mamaroneck, NY, perched on the Long Island Sound, sits the Hammocks Park Ice Rink. Although surrounded by a beautiful park, groomed soccer fields and a pristine middle school, the rink is no more than an aluminum pole barn with a sheet of ice dropped in the middle. The place feels like an afterthought.

Dark and dank doesn't quite capture the feel of the place. By my count, a full third of the overhead lights were either burned out or not turned on. A couple of bulletin boards contained postings for some upcoming events but most already passed, and clippings curiously detailing losing efforts by the home town Mamaronek Tigers.

Efforts to to locate a sign or plaque disclosing anything about the history or age of the rink were pointless. I found nothing, and no one at the rink had any information to offer -- which pretty much says it all.

Meanwhile, numerous signs proclaimed that the shrubberies and flowers that adorned the sides of the rink was the work of Larchmont Nurseries.What can you say about a rink that seems to take more pride in the foliage that adorns the side of the building than it does in the activities on the inside?  Don't get me wrong: the ice wasn't bad, but this is a rink without warmth and energy.  No heart; no home; no solace.. 

Landscaping.? Is this what Matters in Mamaronek?