Belmont Rink Closes Indefinitely Over Humidity Issues
BELMONT — The Municipal Skating Rink has been shut down indefinitely due to humidity and environmental-control problems, while the School Committee has finalized ratified contracts with the Belmont Education Association after more than 19 months of negotiations.
TOWN HALL
The Belmont Rink is temporarily closed "due to ongoing humidity and environmental control issues within the facility," according to a July 13 notice on the town website. No timeline for reopening was given.
Separately, the town reminded residents that early voting by mail is open for all 2026 elections, with no excuse required; applications are available online or by download. The Department of Public Works also confirmed its annual hydrant-flushing program for "Orange & Red Top" hydrants began Monday, July 13, running from 7 p.m. to midnight, and residents were advised of a delayed yard-waste pickup this week. The town's 2026 Pavement Management Program also remains underway, with updates posted to the municipal site.
SCHOOLS
The Belmont School Committee has approved ratified contracts with the Belmont Education Association, the district announced, capping "more than 19 months of negotiations, collaboration, compromise, and mediation." Further details on contract terms were not included in the district's announcement. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open, according to the Belmont Public Schools website.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"🌱 Patch AM: Why Belmont Porchfest is moving to August—and needs more performers" — Belmont's annual Porchfest is shifting to an August date and organizers are seeking additional musicians to perform, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/belmont).
"🌱 Patch AM: What big zoning and library decisions loom at November's Town Meeting?" — Patch previewed upcoming zoning and library-related articles expected to come before Belmont's November Town Meeting, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/belmont).
"🌱 Patch AM: Belmont High grad now leads powerhouse rowing program at Tufts" — A Belmont High School graduate has taken the helm of Tufts University's rowing program, per Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/belmont).
"Breathing Wildfire Smoke In MA Equal To Smoking 9 Cigarettes: Doctor" — Regional haze from wildfires in Ontario and the northern Midwest cleared across New England Friday after days of smoky skies, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/belmont).
COMING UP
The Municipal Skating Rink Building Committee meets remotely on Friday, July 17. The Select Board holds a hybrid meeting Monday, July 20, alongside a Shade Tree Committee bylaw subcommittee session the same day. The Planning Board meets in hybrid format Tuesday, July 21. Belmont's Kidsweek, a summer-long children's activity series, runs starting July 20, per the Patch community calendar.