An Act authorizing the division of capital asset management and maintenance to lease the LoConte Memorial Rink to the city of Medford

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts allows DCAMM to lease LoConte Rink to Medford for up to 30 years, with Medford operating and funding half costs, while ownership stays with the Commonwealth.

Referred to the committee on House Rules

Overview

This Massachusetts bill authorizes the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to lease the LoConte Memorial Rink and surrounding parcel to the City of Medford for recreational use, for a term of up to 30 years (including extensions). The bill designates the action as an emergency measure to take effect immediately upon passage.

Main purpose and intent

To allow DCAMM, in coordination with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), to lease the LoConte Memorial Rink site to Medford for recreational purposes.

To transfer ongoing operational responsibility and costs to Medford, with the Commonwealth retaining ownership and potential reversion if the property ceases to be used for approved purposes.

Key provisions and changes

Leasing authority: DCAMM, in consultation with DCR, may lease the 97 Locust Street property (LoConte Memorial Rink) to Medford for up to 30 years, including extensions.

Location and size: The parcel is 1.44 acres, located at 97 Locust Street, Medford.

Lease terms: The lease will be on terms deemed advisable by the DCAMM commissioner (in consultation with DCR). Medford would operate, manage, maintain, and repair the property; such costs are to be considered in the lease arrangement.

Default and reversion: If the property ceases to be used for recreational purposes (except during repair/rehabilitation), the DCAMM commissioner must terminate the lease and revert the property to the Commonwealth under DCR care.

Cost-sharing: Medford is responsible for half of the lease-related costs and expenses as determined by the DCAMM commissioner. This could include engineering, surveys, and recording fees associated with the lease.

Who would be affected

City of Medford: Gains a long-term lease of the LoConte Memorial Rink parcel, with operational control and responsibility for maintenance and repair, subject to the lease terms.

Commonwealth (DCAMM and DCR): Maintains ownership and ultimate control, with the ability to terminate the lease if the property is not used for its stated purpose; bears part of the process and oversight for the lease.

Other stakeholders (public/recreation users): Access to a locally managed rink facility in Medford, contingent on the terms of the lease and ongoing maintenance funded in part by the city.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Emergency designation: The act is described as an emergency law to take effect immediately upon passage, emphasizing urgent public convenience and rapid transition.

Legislative path: The bill proposes specific leasing authority and clear conditions for term length, maintenance responsibilities, and reversion, reducing the likelihood of future amendments for this arrangement.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar lease-authority actions in Massachusetts or summarize potential fiscal implications in more detail.