PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The long-awaited ice skating rink is finally open for free public skating. 

 

Although late in the season, the rink will be open with posted hours from dawn to dusk, but may be closed at times for maintenance of the ice. 

 

Since the rink is equipped with lighting, the city has no objections to night skating; however, skaters are urged to remain mindful of safety, said James McGrath, park, open space and natural resource program manager.

 

It was previously reported that the city received a grant to offer skate rentals. However, because of the shortened season, this initiative has been postponed to future years.

 

The outdoor 50-by-100-foot refrigerated rink will be able to stay open until the ambient temperature rises above 45 degrees, McGrath said. 

 

This is currently projected to be the third week in March but could be sooner based on the weather conditions, he said. 

 

During the development of this initiative, many event ideas were tossed around however those will also have to wait until future seasons because of the shortened season. 

 

According to McGrath, the department’s main priority this year has been getting the rink operable and open. 

 

He emphasized that skaters should visit the website for updates about the rink and any future events held. 

 

Several organizations have reached out expressing an interest in hosting events, which the city is willing to entertain. However, more robust programming is planned for future years.

 

Since October, the city has been working to reignite the outdoor recreation that was once very popular before global warming stymied the activity. 

 

Many fondly recall skating on rinks at the Common, Weller Avenue, and other local spots during the 1950s and 1960s, before those rinks eventually closed.

 

But now the next generation can make their own memories thanks to the 50-by-100-foot refrigerated rink, purchased thanks to donations and grant funding from several organizations. 

 

"The City of Pittsfield is thankful for all the funders and partners who were essential to the implementation of this project including the Feigenbaum Foundation, the Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, Mill Town Foundation, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation and Alex Regen," the press release said. 

 

Families can also look forward to other exciting winter activities, including the city’s annual Winterfest celebration at Clapp Park on Monday, Feb. 16. 

 

Begin your day at the park, starting at 10 a.m., to experience a day packed with winter activities from a cardboard sled contest, sledding, building snow creations, s’mores, and more. 

 

Then grab your skates and drive to Wahconah Park to conclude your day with skating on the freshly formed ice as you gaze at the run-down yet historic park eyed for demolition and rebuild.