Jack Kirrane Rink at Larz Anderson Park: 9/10

Price (for the average student at the high school): $5
Skate rentals (for the average student at the high school): $7
Location: 25 Newton St., Brookline

I started at Larz Anderson, Brookline’s only outdoor skating rink.

The rink at Larz is likely the most well-known among Brookline residents, and the rink was packed with children and adults skating (or trying to). The rink was divided into a beginner’s section off to the side and a larger section for the more experienced, but everyone was welcomed at both. Skaters jammed out to tons of fun 2010’s music, motivating them to dance on the ice, and contributing to a youthful and cheerful energy that encouraged people to skate and enjoy themselves regardless of how many times they fell.

I grew up skating at Larz Anderson (eventually graduating from falling over constantly in the beginners’ section), so the rink brings back lots of nostalgia for me as I’m sure it does for many other residents of Brookline. The rink perfectly demonstrates Brookline’s appeal: overlooking the rest of the Larz Anderson park at the top of a hill, the rink was cheery and relaxing, surrounded by trees but with views of downtown Boston far in the distance.