"It's something we should all be proud of, it's further investment we're making into the quality of life in the community," Fitzgerald said. "We're so fortunate for the Penguins, not just for the Stanley Cups, but for how great a community partner they are. Mario (Lemieux), David Morehouse and the team have just been tremendous to work with."
The Penguins Foundation donated $100,000 towards the cause, which was put to great use. Along with updated locker rooms, a new outdoor skating trail was put in beside the hockey rink.
"The county is a great partner, we have a premier facility for hockey," said Dave Soltesz, president of the Penguins Foundation. "It's nice to have an outdoor rink to do some really neat and cool things on."
The trail was placed through a landscape of trees and bushes to give a pond-like atmosphere, as if one was truly out in their local community playing pond hockey.
"The energy here is unbelievable, we're just excited," said Andy Baechle, Director of Allegheny Parks. "Now, while games are going on at the rink, we don't have to turn people away as the skate trail is available to skaters whenever the rink is occupied."
The rink was given refurbished ice and resized to be NHL regulation size. Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy was on hand for the event, skating with kids from the community and enjoying the atmosphere.
"I think getting the kids into hockey is a big thing, this gives the kids another opportunity to lace up their skates and play such a great game," Kennedy said. "These outdoor rinks in Pittsburgh give them an opportunity to give the game a Canadian feel since it isn't cold enough for kids to get out on on the ponds during winter sometimes."
