Strawbery Banke's Ice Rink Clears Major Hurdle

Strawbery Banke Museum's proposal to build an outdoor skating rink cleared a significant hurdle after the city's Board of Adjustment granted a variance on Tuesday night at City Hall.

On Wednesday morning, Portsmouth Planning Department officials said the BOA voted, 5-2, to approve the museum's request to allow an outdoor recreational use on the museum grounds that is currently not allowed, according to city documents on the city's website. The proposal must now go before the Planning Board for approval.

If approved, Portsmouth area residents would be able to go ice skating at Strawbery Banke on a $300,000 outdoor ice skating rink.

, told City Councilors that their goal is to create a facility that will be enjoyed by families with a multitude of programs.

Yerdon said then that children would be able to learn how to ice skate and after school programs could be offered, including ice dancing programs and even Yoga skating.

Yerdon said then the Ice Skating Theatre of New York would come once a year and perform. There would also be free weekday and weekend sessions along with pickup pond hockey games. 

Yerdon said families would also be able to enjoy hot dogs, hot chocolate and other refreshments while warming up at an outdoor fire.

Yerdon told the council then it will cost $300,000 to build the rink, operating expenses are $350,000 and earned income and sponsorship is about $350,000.

On Wednesday morning, Yerdon issued the following statement about the BOA's vote:

“On behalf of Strawbery Banke, the Board of Trustees and the many volunteers, members and donors who enthusiastically support the idea of having a seasonal skating rink on Puddle Dock, I thank the Board of Adjustment for granting the variances that allow us to move forward with the planning process for Puddle Dock Pond.

We do sincerely believe, as one of our neighbors and long-time supporters wrote to me, that 'The pond will add a charming and fun-filled opportunity for neighbors and the community to gather and enjoy the outdoors together during the winter season.’

As the Board observed during the long hearing, it is wonderful to confirm that Strawbery Banke is held in such high esteem by the community. We remain committed to what one Puddle Dock Pond advocate described as ‘The South End experience’ -- that Strawbery Banke is always more than willing to discuss with its neighbors any Museum plans that would in any way impact this historic and close-knit neighborhood.  

We look forward to realizing the vision so many in the community have come out to support: creating Puddle Dock Pond at Strawbery Banke as a temporary wintertime outdoor recreation space. True to the Museum’s mission and vision, Puddle Dock Pond will be a place to gather, a place to learn and a sustainable resource for the community.