Salamanca Celebrates Reopening of Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Skating Pond

New synthetic ice rink honors legacy of longtime skating instructor and community leader

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Officials from the City of Salamanca, Seneca Nation, Salamanca school district and other stakeholders gathered on Friday to celebrate the grand reopening of the Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Skating Pond. The new synthetic ice rink honors the legacy of the late Bill Flanigan, who taught generations of Salamanca youth to skate and enjoy the natural ice pond for over 100 years.

Why it matters

The ice pond has long been a beloved community gathering place and source of winter recreation for Salamanca residents. Preserving this legacy through the new synthetic rink ensures that future generations will be able to continue the tradition of learning to skate and playing hockey at the site.

The details

The new Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Skating Pond features a state-of-the-art synthetic ice rink, allowing for skating year-round. In addition to the rink, the facility offers free skate rentals, hot refreshments, music, and other amenities to create an enjoyable experience for community members.

  • The grand reopening ceremony took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The natural ice pond at the south end of Fawn Avenue has been a community gathering place for over 100 years.

The players

Bill Flanigan

The late Bill Flanigan was a longtime skating instructor and community leader who taught generations of Salamanca youth to skate and enjoy the natural ice pond.

City of Salamanca

The City of Salamanca partnered with other stakeholders to develop the new Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Skating Pond facility.

Seneca Nation

The Seneca Nation, located in Salamanca, was a key stakeholder in the development of the new ice skating facility.

Salamanca school district

The Salamanca school district was involved in the planning and reopening of the ice skating facility, which will benefit local students and families.

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What they’re saying

“Preserving this legacy through the new synthetic rink ensures that future generations will be able to continue the tradition of learning to skate and playing hockey at the site.”

— Kellen M. Quigley, Salamanca Press Reporter (salamancapress.com)

What’s next

The city plans to host regular skating events and programs at the new Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Skating Pond to encourage community engagement and winter recreation.

The takeaway

The reopening of the Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Skating Pond represents the preservation of a beloved community tradition in Salamanca, ensuring that residents young and old can continue to enjoy the sport of ice skating and winter activities for generations to come.