Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Time to skate!

New ice rink & warming house officially open

The New Rockford Park District's ice rink is finally open for skating.

The rink's first day was Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Dennis Nybo, park district director, couldn't have been happier to see it full of kids and local residents all day long.

"It feels good," said Nybo, as a group of seventh graders were enjoying the rink for gym class. "... We're having fun!"

Residents interested in skating this year will undoubtedly notice some major differences between this year's rink and the rinks of years past.

Rather than its usual position along 11th Street North in New Rockford, this year's skating rink is located at the tennis courts of All Veterans Memorial Park, locally known as the swimming pool park. Alongside the new rink is a brand new warming house.

The warming house is a 12-by-24 foot structure that includes seating, ice skates of all sizes, hockey gear and more. Nybo said that further improvements to the warming house, such as flooring and a fresh coat of paint, will be made this spring and summer.

And it's all been possible thanks to generous donations and grants, he added.

Last summer, the park district was awarded a $10,000 grant from the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) to be put towards the new warming house. The Park District also received a recreation grant from Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

A sign posted on the rink's fencing also recognizes Northern Plains Electric Cooperative, NDTC Dollars in Motion, the New Rockford Eagles Club, the North Dakota Community Foundation and the New Rockford American Legion Post 30, as sponsors of the new warming house.

The New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation was awarded a $1,500 vibrancy grant from the N.D. Main Street Initiative in December, which will be used for updates to the skating rink next year, such as lights, seating, a sound system and portable heaters.

"Without our local sponsors, the local donors and those that picked us for the grants ... this would not be possible," said Nybo.

Nybo also gave special recognition to Jackson Schumacher and Lynn Brost, who played a big role in getting the warming house and rink ready to open.

The ice skating rink and warming house are open Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays from 2-8 p.m.

Nybo notes that the warming house will be closed if the temperature and/or wind chill dips below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, and that they may also close early on days of home basketball games.

All anyone really needs to know, however, is if the outside warming house light is on, the rink is open for skating!

Nybo is also looking for one or two more individuals that can work at the skating rink, especially on Fridays and over the weekend. Those interested can give him a call at (701) 302-8105.

There are still plans to hold a grand-opening ceremony for the new warming house, which is required for the $10,00 AARP grant. The ceremony doesn't yet have a date, but will include hot chocolate, treats and more for attendees to enjoy.

Be sure to follow the park district on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/newrockfordparkdistric for updates on the warming house grand opening.