Some Riverhead families are hoping that the proposal to bring a large sports complex to the community will come to fruition.
An NHL-size hockey rink could soon be on the grounds at Stotzky Memorial Park at what is currently an unused soccer field.
Ray Coyne, superintendent for Riverhead’s Parks and Recreation Department, says the town is trying to work out an agreement with the Peconic Hockey Foundation to bring a full-sized, domed hockey rink to the park.
“We would have to have an agreement within the next few weeks to make this happen, the way we’re talking now and if all goes well…we’ll be up and running by the fall.”
The plan would put a dome over the unused soccer field and make a 200-foot by 85-foot ice hockey rink.
People near the area are hopeful the rink becomes a reality.
“There’s like no facilities and…how are people out east going to be NHL players without it?” says Jeremy Maresca, of Coram.
The Town of Riverhead says it’s not spending money on the project, and the Hockey Foundation is taking care of everything.
The town is working on making sure there is a benefit for its residents to put the rink on town load. This could possibly include discounted or free skate.