Open letter from “The Byram Families for Hamill Rink,” Johna Kalandranis, Paul Bizarro, Erin Capozza, Jill Ernst, Alyssa Kemp, Eric LaRosee, Ashley Longo, Florence Nalepka, Ed Rizzo, Liz Rutledge, Melissa Truelove
We are writing as Byram parents and members of Byram Families for Hamill Rink (https://www.instagram.com/byramfamiliesforhamillrink/) to provide important context following the Hamill Rink Task Force’s votes regarding the replacement of the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink.
After months of public meetings, professional analysis, and community input, the Task Force reached two clear conclusions. First, it unanimously eliminated all sites other than Eugene Morlot Park in Byram – including the downtown “Exit 3” sites – leaving Morlot Park as the only viable location for the new rink.
Second, it unanimously voted to eliminate the “build-in-place” option, leaving some version of the “flip” as the sole remaining path forward.
The flip – constructing a new rink within Morlot Park while keeping the existing Hamill Rink operational during construction, then demolishing the old facility once the new rink opens – is significant because it is the only option that keeps the rink in Byram and avoids shutting the rink down for multiple years.
Hamill Rink has served Byram and greater Greenwich for decades. It supports GHS and middle school hockey, youth hockey, figure skating, learn-to-skate programs, and families from across town. A multi-year closure would displace these programs and risk permanent loss of participation. The flip avoids that outcome while delivering our town a modern, ADA- and code-compliant facility.
Importantly, the flip represents an opportunity not only to replace the rink, but to strengthen Morlot Park and make it a true jewel of our community. In addition to a new skating facility, the plan includes a true regulation-size baseball field, addressing a long-standing limitation of the park. With Western Middle School across the street, Morlot Park should function as a place where school, recreation, and neighborhood activity intersect. The improvements to Morlot Park will create a useable, walkable environment – particularly for Western Middle School students.
The Task Force’s votes were unanimous and followed a transparent, inclusive process designed to ensure broad representation and meaningful public input. The Task Force included members from the RTM and various RTM advisory committees, the Byram Veterans Association, the Byram Neighborhood Association (BNA), and multiple town departments with relevant expertise. In addition, leadership of the New Lebanon School PTA, the Hamilton Avenue School PTA, and the Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center Trust (BANC Football) – family-serving organizations with deep roots in Byram – publicly submitted written statements in support of the flip and of keeping the rink in Byram. Statements in support of the flip were also submitted to the Task Force by prominent members of the Greenwich hockey community, including current and former Greenwich High School varsity coaches, leadership of the Greenwich Cardinals Youth Hockey Association and Hamill Rink management, who understand firsthand the importance of maintaining uninterrupted access to skating and hockey during construction. Together, these organizations and individuals represent families, students, and athletes who rely on Hamill Rink every day.
Greenwich (and Byram) residents also flooded the Task Force with comments in support of the flip; the number of public comments supporting the flip decisively and massively outnumbered the number of comments opposing the flip. The Task Force’s process was open, inclusive, and deliberate, and its unanimous votes reflect that the alternatives simply did not withstand scrutiny.
Despite this record, certain people who oppose this project seem to want to revive an outdated and false framing—that the flip is broadly supported town-wide but strongly opposed within Byram. As Byram parents, we respectfully but clearly state that this framing does not reflect reality. While some people have publicly opposed the flip, Byram is not a monolith. The small group of people who oppose this project do not speak for all Byram residents, nor do they represent the many families with children who actively use Hamill Rink and would be most affected by a multi-year closure.
Thoughtful debate is an important part of any civic process. At the same time, this project has now undergone extensive review and public engagement. The Task Force’s conclusions reflect careful consideration of all options and make clear that the flip is – again – the most practical and community-centered path forward.
As the Task Force prepares to make its formal recommendation, we hope future discussion reflects the full picture: strong town-wide and Byram support and a shared understanding – grounded in months of public process, professional analysis, and community input –that this long-delayed project must now move forward in a way that serves families, preserves access to skating and hockey, and strengthens Morlot Park for generations to come.
We’ve been doing this for years. It’s time for all of us to come together to support this project and get it done, once and for all, for our community and for our kids.