Lee Twombly Pond in Falmouth, in need of a new refrigeration system, is closed this year for the first time in its 25-year history. Contributed / Save the Pond

Lee Twombly Pond board members have launched a Save the Pond fundraising campaign to raise $1 million for renovations for the outdoor skating rink in Falmouth.

Old and failing equipment shut down the popular rink located at the Family Ice Center this winter for the first time since it opened in 1998. The board hopes to have it renovated and back in operation for 2024.

Free public ice skating has been available at Lee Twombly Pond since 1998, but the rink did not open this year. Contributed / Save the Pond

“This is a jewel in the community,” said Godfrey Wood, a board member and president of the Family Ice Center.

The human-made rink uses a “mat refrigeration” system under the ice, which is now leaking, according to board member Dana Twombly.

“The mat system has deteriorated over the years,” Twombly said. “We decided we need to do it right this time.”

Plans call for a new refrigeration system with pipes that will last up to 30 years. The replacement system also will allow the rink to open earlier each season, Twombly said.

The Twombly family donated the rink to the Family Ice Center to honor the memory of Lee Twombly, who died at age 15 from brain cancer. The teen was a hockey player who loved to skate.

“He was an incredible kid,” Dana Twombly said of his brother. “He had an incredible spirit, even though he had a terminal disease.”

Since its opening in 1998, Lee Twombly Pond has become a winter staple in the Falmouth community, offering free outdoor ice skating and a warming hut.

Board member Jenny Ellis calls the pond a “treasure” where her children, like many others in the area, learned to skate.

“It’s a lovely winter pastime that the youngest in the community can enjoy, as well as the oldest,” Ellis said.

The Twombly family kicked off the fundraiser with a $150,000 donation, which was matched by board member Charles de Sieyes and his wife Carol Ward.

Twombly and Wood said they are optimistic their fundraising goal will be reached.

“We’ve already seen an outpouring of questions, concerns and support,” Twombly said.

Wood said the board has been “amazed” by the support so far.

Donations can be made through the Lee Twombly Pond website, or by mailing a check to: Save the Pond at Family Ice, 20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth, ME 04105.