GLOVERSVILLE — Locals with their own skates have been able to lace up for a few weeks during daylight hours at the Lucius N. Littauer Community Ice Rink. On Saturday, the city Recreation Commission will open skate rentals and the concession stand from 3 to 6 p.m., giving everyone a chance to hit the ice.
The Recreation Commission assembled the rink at Littauer Field at 27 Union St. earlier in the winter, diligently adding fresh coats of water and resurfacing the ice as the mercury crept below 32-degrees.
The rink was finally ready to open to the public on Jan. 22 with anyone able to hit the ice from dawn to dusk when temperatures are below freezing, according to City Clerk Jennifer Mazur, liaison to the Recreation Commission.
Residents in the days since have been sharing photos of their skating sessions to the Recreation Commission’s Facebook page.
“We love to see that so keep sending your pictures,” said Mazur Thursday.
Meanwhile the volunteer group finalized plans to offer skate rentals and concessions while adhering to coronavirus guidelines.
Mazur explained that the commission plans to offer skate rentals and light fare at least one day each weekend, weather permitting, from the concession stand at Littauer Field. Patrons will be asked to line up in a designated area to access the window for both services.
Limited concession offerings this year will include hot cocoa, coffee, cold beverages, candy, hotdogs and French fries.
“We won’t have the full menu we usually offer,” said Mazur.
Visitors to the rink will be required to wear face coverings when multiple households are on the ice and depending on attendance levels the Recreation Commission may limit the total number of individuals on the ice at one time to ensure social distancing can be maintained.
“Of course, we will be following all of the guidelines that are required,” said Mazur.
Mazur expressed excitement over the reopening of the ice rink after the unseasonably warm weather last year prevented the rink from opening.
“It was put up and we tried our best to be able to open it, but it was a very mild winter. We had warm temperatures through the entire winter, so it didn’t freeze the way we needed it to,” said Mazur. “I think it’s especially important to have something during the winter months when there is not much going on. It’s definitely the time of year when people start to have cabin fever, looking forward to spring.”
The Recreation Commission is hoping to offer a special couple’s skating night for Valentine’s Day at the rink on Feb. 13 if the weather cooperates with full details to be announced closer to the event depending on that weekend’s forecast. Mazur said the event would take place after dusk under the lights at Husky Field with two for one specials on rentals and concessions.
After having to cancel every scheduled event in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions, Mazur expressed optimism about the Recreation Commission successfully opening the ice rink.
“This is the first organized event for the rec commission since December of 2019, so we are very, very excited to be able to offer something, especially in the winter time when people are looking to get out of the house,” said Mazur.
Mazur added that the volunteer committee has begun planning for the return of some annual events this spring, acknowledging that some offerings will have to be modified to meet coronavirus restrictions, with advanced registration likely to be required to ensure social distancing can be accommodated.
The Recreation Commission will offer skate rentals and concessions at the Lucius N. Littauer Community Ice Rink on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. Rentals are $1 for children and $2 for adults. Rental hours will be offered each weekend depending on the weather and will be posted each week on the Gloversville Recreation Commission Facebook page.
