Montclair Takes Back Ice Rink Operations: Community Volunteers Raise $1.2M for Clary Anderson Arena

The Township of Montclair has resumed in-house operations at Clary Anderson Arena, the community ice rink at 41 Chestnut Street in Essex Park, after ending its contract with an outside management company. The transition marks a new chapter for the beloved rink, which has served Montclair families since 1961 and was in danger of closing after the township discovered numerous code violations and life and health safety hazards in 2025.

---

A community effort keeps the rink alive

What's most striking about this story is how the community stepped up. The Clary Anderson Arena Association, a nonprofit led by resident Monica Kurpiewski and treasurer Matt Allen, has raised $1.2 million in community donations to renovate the facility. Volunteers have contributed countless hours of labor, including painting the ceiling and assisting with other physical improvements. The township committed $1 million of its own toward safely reopening the arena for the 2026-2027 season.

The transition was supported by a new consultant, Kevin McCormack, president of Emerald Sport Management LLC, who was brought on to assist the township in managing operations. The arena generated approximately $240,000 in revenue in its first season back under the new model. Phase 2 renovations still on the horizon include fixing the leaky roof, superstructure painting, flooring, and HVAC work.

---

Why this matters for Montclair families

Clary Anderson Arena is more than just a place to skate -- it's where Montclair kids learn to play youth hockey, where families come for public skating sessions, and where figure skating lessons have been held for generations. When the arena's future was uncertain, it was a real concern for the many families who rely on it as an affordable, accessible recreational option close to home.

For homebuyers with kids, the quality of local parks and recreational amenities is often a deciding factor in choosing a neighborhood. Having a well-maintained community ice rink within walking or biking distance adds to a town's appeal, especially for families who value access to activities without having to travel far.

---

What's next

The arena is slated to reopen for the 2026-2027 season in September 2026. The volunteer-driven effort to save and renovate the rink is a testament to how invested Montclair residents are in their community assets. It also shows that when the town and residents work together, even a facility that faced serious challenges can get a second life. I'll be watching for updates on the September reopening and will share the schedule for public skating, lessons, and youth hockey programming as soon as it's announced.

The bottom line

Montclair's decision to bring Clary Anderson Arena back under town management, combined with the remarkable community fundraising effort, means this historic rink will continue serving families for years to come. It's a win for the neighborhood, for the kids who lace up their skates here, and for the sense of community that makes Montclair such a special place to live.