Left to right: Chris Brown, chairman of the Black Ice Board and member of the Skate House committee, Tom Cimikoski, Merrimack Facilities Manager and Sign Coordinator, Linda Lorden, President, Merrimack County Savings Bank, Matthew Walsh, Director, Redevelopment/Downtown, Services and Special Projects, City of Concord and Tom Aspell, City Manager, City of Concord.
The City of Concord, the White Park Skate House Committee and Merrimack County Savings Bank (the Merrimack) are pleased to announce that design and installation of the exterior signage for the Merrimack Lodge at White Park has been completed. The Merrimack received naming recognition as a result of the Bank’s substantial monetary contributions towards the new facility. It is located at the same place as the former skate house.
The sign sits on a large granite block that was cut and installed by the Swenson Granite Company, based in Concord. The site was prepared by Tasker Landscaping, based in Loudon. R&T Electric, based in Concord, brought power to the sign, illuminating the LED lights that make it possible for the sign to be seen at night and from afar.
Chris Brown, chairman of the Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament Board and member of the Skate House Committee, spearheaded the project. “The Merrimack is Concord’s local community bank and they’ve always set the standard for corporate leadership. We’re very grateful for the Bank’s generosity. Their contribution helped bring our vision to life so that many more residents and visitors can make the most of this wonderful park,” said Brown. The new facility offers multiple recreational uses besides ice skating, including nature-themed summer camps, after-school programming and outdoor activities.
“Construction for the Merrimack Lodge completed in June 2019,” added Tom Aspell, City Manager for Concord. “The original skate house was built in 1958, and used by hundreds of skaters, and a generation of Concord’s youth grew up around the facility. It sat vacant since 2003 and was demolished at the start of the nine-month re-build project. The Bank’s contribution will allow local residents to enjoy White Park during all seasons, for many years to come.”
At 2,285 square feet, the Merrimack Lodge also includes a 1,110-square-foot patio. It offers public restrooms, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a snack bar and a rental shop for ice skates.
“Having been born and raised in the Concord community, I have so many fond memories of sharing time with my family and friends in White Park,” said Linda Lorden, President of Merrimack County Savings Bank. “From that personal perspective, I’m thrilled that the Merrimack is able to participate in the Skate House project. Giving back to our local community has always been central to the Bank’s mission.”
Through a public-private partnership between the City of Concord, White Park neighbors, hockey enthusiasts and local volunteers, the old “Skate House” has been transformed. The Merrimack Lodge is a multi-use recreational facility in White Park made possible by the City of Concord and a community of corporate and individual donors. Proceeds for the facility was raised by a fundraising committee appointment by Mayor Jim Bouley and led by Concord residents, including Chris Brown and Jennifer Frizzell. Donations are still being accepted by the Skate House committee. For more information, visit whiteparkconcordnh.org. The new facility is managed by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, has weekly public hours and is available for private rentals. More information on the Merrimack Lodge can be found at www.concordparksandrec.com