A recent drop-in ice hockey group had people of all ages shooting pucks and enjoying exercising in the crisp air. One visitor said she has been going to open hockey on Tuesday and Thursday at noon for years. Even more than exercise she said, “It’s a great community.”
“The Longmont Community loves their outdoor ice rink. There is something extremely special being able to skate outdoors … We are one of the only outdoor ice rinks that stays open after the holiday season to run programs,” said Sara Taylor, Longmont recreation program supervisor.
Last year the ice pavilion had almost 1,400 people visit the rink for public skating, and about 6,700 for hockey and Learn to Skate lessons.
The Learn to Skate Program was created out of a joint effort by the USA Hockey, USA Figure Skating and US Speedskating programs. The program teaches lessons on the ice that can be used in life.
“The confidence and joy you see your kids gain today will become the greatness your kids achieve in the world tomorrow. They become rockets on ice,” the program’s website states.
People who participate in the city of Longmont ice leagues seek out the rink due to the quality of its ice and the uniqueness of skating outside, Taylor said. Those searching for more competitive programs tend to go to indoor rinks, she said.
Doug Linton, an ice hockey competitor and past youth hockey coach from Longmont, believes that time on the ice is time well spent. Not all the activity on the ice has to be for sports. Linton recalled celebrating his sister’s birthday at Longmont’s ice pavilion two years ago. They enjoyed skating and sipping hot chocolate with their family.
The Longmont Ice Rink will remain open until March 7.
“Due to the angle of the sun, as the days get longer, it is harder to keep the ice from melting, that is one of the reasons we close when do we do,” Taylor said.
There are several activities that people can participate in at the ice rink including drop-in hockey, date night and open skating. Click here to learn more.
