John 'JD' Dunn passed unexpectedly August 1st, 2022. Family, friends, and the community would like to honor JD by renaming Meachem Ice Rink to "The John 'JD' Dunn Ice Arena at Meachem Field."

In the early 1970's, JD asked the City of Syracuse if he could build a natural ice rink at Meachem Field for his children and their closest friends from McKinley Park. With the city's permission, JD's family and friends made natural ice for hockey and public skating. After years of hockey with no boards, JD called Pete Napier, the Director of the Onondaga County War Memorial and asked if he could purchase the old Syracuse Blazer hockey boards. Pete agreed and sold the boards to JD for $1. The boards were delivered to the rink and were installed by the City of Syracuse, officially making the rink a hockey rink. After many years of the community using the rink for public skating, the city noticed how popular it was and decided to invest in the rink. With funding, the city was able to get artificial ice and build a roof over the rink.

Many years later, Valley Youth Hockey Association was started and has become a great success for the youth of the community. The arena stands today fully enclosed as a public rink, a home to the Syracuse Men's Cougar Hockey High school Team, a home to the Le Moyne Men's Hockey Club team, and Valley Youth Hockey. 

We are proposing to the City of Syracuse and the community to honor JD and his hard work with the renaming of Meachem Ice Arena to, "The John 'JD' Dunn Ice Arena at Meachem Field". Please support of efforts by signing this petition to give to the City of Syracuse.