Kelly Outdoor Rink: 6/10

Price: Free!
Rentals: $3
Location: 1 Marbury Ter., Jamaica Plain

Second, I headed to the Kelly Rink. As it is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, it has free general admissions, making it accessible to a much broader audience and perhaps leaving more room to spend on candy after.

Right next to the MBTA’s Orange Line, the Kelly Rink’s views were not as exciting as those of the Jack Kirrane Rink. Surrounded by buildings, the rink was very much in the middle of an urban environment. The music volume hit the sweet spot between being unable to hear over the rumbling of the T and killing my eardrums. However, it was unfortunately interrupted by ads.

The rink, though inexpensive and easily accessible by public transportation, was also the least populated. Perhaps this was due to the unexciting surroundings; Zipcar and Legal Services Centers’ beat-down buildings nearby were not incredibly picturesque. Fortunately, though, this sparseness allowed clusters to stay intact and skate at their own pace without the risk of a speedy skater crashing into them.

The Kelly Rink mastered the basics of a skating rink for anyone who is concerned about the pure quality of their skating, but it was ultimately just a smooth sheet of ice and not much more. For people more interested in decorations and the hot cocoa after (the “après skate,” so to speak), the Kelly Rink might not check all the boxes.