Open letter to the Town of Greenwich and the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Representative Town Meeting submitted by Trevor Crow
Greenwich has always held a very special place in my heart. It is the town where I grew up. Unfortunately, Greenwich did not have an ice rink while I was growing up. I had to find ice time in other rinks and towns such as Playland in Rye, NY. After I won the Olympics, the town built an outdoor rink that eventually was covered and named it the Hamill Rink. I couldn’t have been prouder and happier that the children growing up in our beautiful town had their own rink to practice on. For decades, the Dorothy Hamill Rink has been more than just a building; it has been a second home for student-athletes, a training ground for aspiring figure skaters, and a gathering place for families across our community.
Today, I am writing to lend my full support to the efforts to build a new, modern facility that our town so clearly needs.
For years, the Greenwich High School boys and girls’ hockey programs have represented our town with incredible pride and dedication. Despite practicing and playing at an off-campus facility, these athletes have never complained. But the rink is not just for the high school; it is a vital piece of community infrastructure used by youth hockey, learn-to-skate programs, and residents of all ages. It is a place where the fabric of our town is strengthened.
While the current facility has served us well, we must face the reality that it is outdated. From an ice surface that is not regulation size to significant challenges regarding the state building code and ADA accessibility requirements, the building no longer meets the standards our community deserves. Our students and families should not have to worry about losing such an essential facility due to the rising difficulty of maintenance or a lack of action.
I have followed the work of the Hamill Rink Task Force and called in to voice my support at a public hearing, and I am impressed by their transparent and careful process. They have spent months evaluating sites and listening to the community to reach their recommendations. I believe their hard work deserves to be respected and acted upon promptly.
A modern replacement rink is an investment in our future. It ensures that the next generation of Greenwich skaters and hockey players will have the same opportunities I had but right here in Greenwich; to compete, and to grow in a safe and accessible environment.
I have recently returned home from attending the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. What beautiful experience! I am so proud of Team USA and our Figure Skating Olympic Gold Medalist Alyssa Liu along with our Gold Medal Hockey Teams, both women and men. I am more than ever committed to supporting the next generation in their Olympic dreams. Perhaps the next Olympic Gold Medalist may have begun their career training on our new Hamill Rink.
I urge the Town of Greenwich to move forward with the replacement of the Dorothy Hamill Rink. Let’s ensure that the spirit of skating in Greenwich continues to thrive for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Hamill