Skating underway at Rumford rinks

RUMFORD -- During unseasonably warm temperatures on New Year's eve, young and old alike made their way to the skating rinks for some good old-fashioned fun.

However, the thermometer stayed up for Saturday as well and there was continued melting at the rink on the DARE Field across from Aubuchon's, as well as hockey rink beside the horseshoe pits.

On Monday, Rumford Parks Department Working Foreman Mike Mills said that with the cooler weather now in place, they will be working to restore the good skating conditions. "It'll probably be the weekend before they'll be able to skate by Aubuchon's, but they still should be able to skate at the hockey rink."

Each of the rinks has a shack, with music as well as ice skates available for people to use. Mills said all one needs to do is sign a paper with their name to use the skates, which are in an assortment of sizes.

People can skate anytime, but the hours of the shacks are 1:30-7:30 p.m. on the weekends, and 3:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays.

At their next regular meeting on Tuesday, Mills said the Parks Commission may further discuss having a special bonfire and hot dog event sometime this winter at the DARE Field.

For more information or to check on ice conditions, call the Parks Department at 364-7758.

Skating underway at Rumford rinks Photo:

Joe Sirois and Anne Wood were among a number of people enjoying skating on the DARE Field in Rumford during the unseasonably warm temperatures on New Year's eve. Sirois said that when he retired recently, the couple discussed doing more traveling, but then decided to also take advantage of what this area has to offer for recreation, which includes cross-country skiing at Black Mountain. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Skating underway at Rumford rinks Photo:

Helping each other for the first skating of the season on the DARE Field in Rumford here are sisters Jordan and Victoria Barre of Mexico. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Skating underway at Rumford rinks Photo:

Giving a gentle push to the baby carriage while on skates here is Nevaeh D'Angelo of Rumford. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)