The Stamford community is rallying around a beloved city ice rink to ensure its future.

More than 3,900 people have signed a petition, created by Southern Connecticut Synchronized Skating, to urge Stamford's Board of Finance not to cut funding to Terry Conners Rink.

The rink has been operated by the city since 1973 in Cove Island Park and offers hockey, figure skating and basic skills programs.

Stamford Youth Hockey President Chris Berlingo says he's heard the rink could lose out on close to $500,000.

"We sat in on the meeting last Wednesday, and there's cuts to every department throughout the city," he says.

Board of Finance Vice Chair Mary Lou Rinaldi says the board has been asked to cut $35 million from the city budget due to an expected decline in revenue because of the pandemic.

Rinaldi acknowledged that may mean a variety of program cuts, but stressed nothing has been decided yet.

"This is a difficult time for everybody and they're just really, really just looking forward to getting back on the ice," says Gina Valenzano-Gomez, the head coach of Southern Connecticut Synchronized Skating.

Valenzano-Gomez and Berlingo say they want to work with the city to keep programs intact and they hope this petition shows just how many lives the rink has touched.

"It's not just a little rink. It's one of the best in the state and it's a rink that's used on a daily basis," says Berlingo.

The Board of Finance is listening to the public's comments and will be voting on May 27.