RUMFORD – Skating enthusiasts have a new place to practice their figure eights.

The so-called old ball field across from Hosmer Field has been flooded, a hydrant installed, and enclosure erected by the Rumford Parks Commission.

Town Manager Robert Welch said the new ice skating rink came about following a survey last year that showed interest in a new place to skate.

The town maintains another skating rink on Hosmer Field, along with a warming shack, but that rink is generally used for playing ice hockey. Many in town said they wanted another rink for figure skating use.

Welch said this first year will be an experiment. If sufficient interest is shown in the new rink, the town will look into building a warming shack and installing lights for night skating.

He said the town maintained an ice skating rink at the old ball field many years ago. It was shut down when the Hosmer Field complex was developed.

The new rink is open whenever people want to use it. The Parks Commission will keep it clear of snow.

First event at new rink

The first big event at the new ice skating rink has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24. Winterfest, sponsored by the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. that day. The snow day is Jan. 31.

Kim Sequoia, program director for One Maine, a subgroup of the coalition that focuses on trying to reduce or eliminate teenage drinking and drugging, said the event will be a family day filled with skating, sledding, music, hot chocolate and a bonfire.

She said the Parks Commission has been very helpful with the preparation of the rink for the event. Loaner skates are available from the Parks Commission office at Hosmer Field

Sequoia said her organization continues to collect new or used skates for young people.

Anyone with a pair to donate may drop them off at the Parks Commission office or at the drop box at Rumford Community Center.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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