After 8-year hiatus, Port ice rink opens

Port Washington’s new ice rink is ready for skaters for the first time in eight years.

The rink in Veterans Park opened Monday, Jan. 25, just about a month after the walls were erected.

“If it stays nice and cold, it should be open for a while,” Recreation Director Kiley Schulte said. 

That’s good news for the many people who have been calling to see when the rink would be ready for skaters.

“People are so excited about it,” Schulte said. “We’re so excited about it too, especially with Covid and the lack of activities right now. This is something people can do now.”

The rink will be open depending on the weather, Schulte added.

“It could be open in the morning and closed at night depending on the weather,” she said. “Right now, it looks pretty good.”

Tuesday’s snow didn’t stop youngsters from trying to get out on the ice. A group was seen shoveling the ice clear.

That enthusiasm is something Schulte has been hoping for. 

After all, the city stopped putting the rink up about eight years ago, in part because few people used it.

“Hopefully we’ll get people interested in ice skating and using it,” she said.

The rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. People are asked to wear masks and social distance while on and around the ice

The Parks and Recreation Department  plans to open the shelter at Veterans Park and sell hot chocolate and concessions at times, but it won’t rent skates.

Schulte recommended people visit local thrift stores to find skates.

No one is allowed on the ice without them.