This Saturday at 2:00 pm, a ceremony will be held by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to rededicate the Francis L. Murphy Memorial Rink in South Boston.
The rink was first built as an outdoor facility in 1961 and was named in honor of Francis L. Murphy in 1965. Francis Murphy was a lifelong South Boston resident and a Boston firefighter who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a fire on Trumbull Street on October 1, 1964.
Beginning in 2014, Murphy Rink received almost $5 million in infrastructure investments and capital improvements. This project included the installation of new locker rooms, team rooms and showers for athletes. The project also resulted in an expanded concession area, a new skate shop, improved viewing areas and handicap accessible bench areas and viewing areas. The new rink also includes a “Look-Up Line” along the boards to help prevent head and spinal cord injuries and significant improvements to the building’s roof, heating system and cooling system.
“The renovations completed on Murphy Rink are proof of DCR’s commitment to working with the South Boston community to provide safe, clean, and fun facilities for our families to enjoy,” said State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry. “Murphy Rink will continue to be to be a vital part of this neighborhood.”
“I grew up at the rink and my siblings, friends and many generations of South Boston kids benefit from having that great resource in our community,” said Representative Nick Collins. “So when I took office in 2011, working with Tom McGrath and South Boston Youth Hockey, we put on the full court press with DCR to secure funding for crucial capital improvements. I am grateful for the work of my colleagues in government to see the renovation to completion and for the opportunity to celebrate and honor the life and service of Francis L. Murphy, who gave his life to serving others.”
“Being the son of a Boston firefighter, it is an honor to be part of this rededication ceremony to honor and respect Frank Murphy and the Boston Fire Dept. and all public safety officers,” said South Boston Youth Hockey President Tom McGrath.
Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Martin J. Walsh are expected to attend. There will also be two hockey games after the rededication ceremony, as the Boston Fire Department and Boston Police Department will play a charity hockey game followed by a state tournament game involving the Boston Latin Girls Hockey Team.
