Longed for in Long Valley: West Morris Wolfpack Hockey Rink

On Jun 29, 2022

After five years of planning, presentations and negotiations, the West Morris Wolfpack Hockey Rink, located inside Long Valley’s Harrington Park, opened in August 2021. Requiring approvals from the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, county and township councils, and Board of Education as well as the local Parks and Recreation Department, this is a story about cooperation, volunteerism and public-private partnerships rather than job creation. With a modest budget of $350,000, this 10,500-square-foot space is designed for street hockey. However, it can be flooded for ice hockey in the winter. It can also be reserved for practices, special community events, roller hockey, futsal soccer, and box lacrosse.

Construction began in November of 2020, with the help of several contractors who volunteered their time, including Phelps Construction Group, Harrington Construction and County Concrete. The limited budget was further maximized by utilizing salvaged boards from the Ironbound Ice Rink in Newark. Even legendary New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur provided support for the project.

Today, the rink is home to the West Morris Wolfpack Youth Ice Hockey Club and is also used by the Morris Youth Hockey League. Surrounding towns also utilize the outdoor recreational space. The project has sparked additional volunteer spruce-up efforts in the park, including a native wildflower pollinator garden courtesy of the Garden Club of Long Valley as well as new walking trails. The Boy Scouts are using the park for an Eagle Scout project, constructing benches and storage cubbies.

Architect

Ferriero Engineering, Inc.

Chester

Builder

Phelps Construction Group

Boonton

Nominator

Amanda Joinson,
Director of Marketing
and Administration,
Phelps Construction Group

Boonton

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