Outdoor skating opens in time for Christmas tree bonfire
January 6, 2022 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Skaters get in some hockey practice at the Anderson Field outdoor ice rink, January 2021. Gordon Miller file photo
Local residents looking to dispose of Christmas trees may drop them off this week at Anderson Field near the town swimming pool where the outdoor ice rink has also just opened for skating.
The Waterbury Fire Department plans to burn a tree bonfire on Saturday, Jan. 8, around 6 p.m. near the rink.
Recreation Director Nick Nadeau asks that people pile trees up on the far side of the ice rink where a pile is already started.
The weather this week has cooperated for town staff to get the outdoor ice rink ready for skating after several earlier attempts were thwarted by melting. The public is invited to visit the park for the bonfire and to skate although there are no formal activities planned at the rink on Saturday, Nadeau said.
In general, the rink lights will automatically come on daily at 4 p.m. and stay on until 9:30 p.m. Youngsters in the Recreation Department’s after school program may be using the ice until about 6 p.m. or so on weekends.
People enjoy the rink and park at Anderson Field, January 2021. Gordon Miller file photo.
Nadeau asks that people respect the equipment at the rink and not tinker with the lights. “The lightbox has been recently fixed from past vandalism this fall – if it gets tampered with or broken again this winter by folks trying to override and keep the lights on, there will be no lights for the rest of the winter. So please make sure to respect town property and equipment,” he said in announcing the rink opening.
He also noted that the ice occasionally will be temporarily closed for resurfacing as needed. Also, should temperatures climb, the rink may be off-limits until conditions are better for the ice to be solid and usable.
Notices will be posted at the park as well as on the Recreation Department’s Facebook page and on Front Porch Forum, he said.
More skating at Crossett Brook Middle School
Crossett Brook Middle School Principal Tom Drake said it looked like the outside skating rink at the school would open on Saturday. Cold temperatures this week allowed for the ice to set nicely.
The rink is used by students for outdoor physical education classes during the week. Drake says it will be open for the public to use after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on the weekends. The rink does not have lights, however.
School staff will post rules for using the rink on site. “Thank you in advance for following appropriate COVID regulations when you are using the rink,” Drake added.