Rink privatization nets positive results
Source: By Emily Shartin, Boston Globe (MA), April 30, 2006
Skaters and hockey players have been able to get more ice time as the management of some public rinks has shifted to the private sector, a new report finds. The report (.pdf), issued by the Pioneer Institute, a public policy think tank, looks at the effects of the state's move to contract rink operations to outsiders. It shows that state-owned rinks under private management are open about nine weeks longer than they were when they were run by state agencies. Private contractors can run the rinks more efficiently because they have money to invest in repairs and can focus solely on operating the rink, officials say.