Write a commentMayor Billy Barlow, along with family and friends of Jack R. Bobbett gathered this evening to open and dedicate the newly renovated street hockey rink at Shapiro Park in Oswego, now known as the Jack R. Bobbett Memorial Street Hockey Rink.
Jack Bobbett an 11-year-old Oswego boy who tragically passed away last summer, was a standout youth hockey player in Oswego’s Minor Hockey Association program, known as an outgoing and hardworking teammate.
Shapiro Park is located on Oswego’s west side containing a basketball court, playground, pickle ball courts and a street hockey rink. The street hockey rink had previously fallen into disrepair for several years with little usage. In 2017, Mayor Barlow converted the aging tennis courts into new pickle ball courts, breathing new life into the park. Barlow announced during his 2020 State of the City Address earlier this year the city would repave the rink, purchase new rink equipment, and re-name and dedicate the rink after Jack Bobbett.
“Renovating the street hockey rink at Shapiro Park is one more investment the City of Oswego will make to improve our community and bring our parks and playgrounds back to life after years of neglect. I’m proud to continue reviving Shapiro Park and, along with the creation of the pickle ball courts, believe a new and improved street hockey rink will help bring more people to this particular park,” said Mayor Billy Barlow. “Jack Bobbett was known throughout the Oswego community as a kind and compassionate boy who loved hockey and cherished his friends and family. Tonight, we appropriately honor and remember Jack in a way that will bring smiles and happiness to children for many years to come by bringing this rink back to life and giving Oswego youth a place to play street hockey during the warmer months,” Barlow said.
Jack’s Mother, Maureen Bobbett thanked Mayor Billy Barlow for the recognition and said, "Jack brought so much joy to so many people in his short time here. He had a huge heart and lived every moment of his life to the fullest. The past year has been extremely difficult for our family but the Oswego community has come together to show us so much love and support and we are truly grateful. The dedication of the street hockey rink at Shapiro Park has deeply touched our hearts. It gives children a place to gather and play a sport Jack loved and that will ensure the memory of a wonderful boy continues to live on in this community."
Following a few brief remarks from Mayor Barlow and Jack’s Mother, Maureen, several children entered the street hockey rink to play the inaugural game on the new surface.
