A revamped street hockey rink at Garvey Park in Neponset will be unveiled next Wed., June 10 in a celebration set for 4:30-6:0 p.m. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has recently completed renovations to the rink, which has been re-named for John and Ann O’Sullivan, the late parents of the well-known Neponset hockey family. The $100,000 project was funded by the Coca-Cola Company in partnership with the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).

Refurbishments include new boards to enclose the rink, bench and bleacher repairs, seal coat for the court, new painting and fence repair. The goal has been to raise the status of the rink so that it is able to support more activities.

“This an exciting project for the young street hockey players of Dorchester and beyond,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh in anncouning the plans last year. “Our ongoing partnership with Coca-Cola and the NRPA will provide expanded programming at a state-of-the-art rink that will be up and running in just a few months.”

“The Leahy-Holloran Community Center currently runs youth programs at Garvey Park,” said Woods. “The Boston Parks Department will continue these partnerships and will work with neighborhood community centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Dorchester Youth Hockey and other community groups to enhance activity at Garvey Park.”

U.S. Armed Service Veterans will soon be instructing family fitness programs at the renovated rink courtesy of a $190,000 three year grant from the Coca Cola Company acquired earlier this year. Garvey Park and the renovated rink are specific areas that the parks department would like utilized by the program.

Coca-Cola, through a partnership with NRPA has provided funding to refresh activities spaces in eight communities in the US. Other cities include, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami.

“Thriving parks and activity spaces are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods,” said Coca Cola representative Jennifer Cruickshank. “Together with Mayor Marty Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, we’re helping to restore Garvey Park’s street hockey rink so families and neighbors can enjoy moments of happiness while staying active.”

- Reporter Staff