The Longmont Ice Pavilion is preparing to welcome athletes back for the season on Nov. 20, and while the excitement about another season of skating at the hometown rink is bubbling, it also will come with some coronavirus rules.
“I am thrilled they are opening,” said resident Rheanna Bentley. “We deserve to get back to normal, especially now that it’s the holidays.”
Resident William Jones said he is nervous about the opening of the rink while cases of COVID are increasing in Boulder County.
“I’m not sure it’s the wisest move right now, especially with Boulder Valley School District going back to online only and St. Vrain Valley School District considering the same move after Thanksgiving,” he said.
The city has considered the risks and has restricted the number of people allowed on the ice at one time, according to the recreation program supervisor Sara Taylor.
Skating sessions are limited to 25 people.
Additionally, all skaters ages 11 and older are required to wear a mask at all times when inside the pavilion. It is highly recommended that children 10 and younger also wear masks while visiting. Rink managers are asking people who cannot wear a mask for medical purposes to sit out this season to ensure other skaters' safety.
Bentley, who said she has trouble wearing a mask when she is working as a barber, will have to pass on a chance at hitting the ice.
“Unfortunately, I will not be going ice skating, which is a huge bummer because it’s the only cold-weather outdoor activity I actually enjoy,” she said.
There will only be 5 minutes between sessions for people to remove skates and exit the facility, Taylor said. But she is optimistic skaters will have no issues with transitions because of the small number of people who will be allowed in the pavilion at one time. She remains confident people will be able to maintain social distancing during their visits.
“We’re doing awesome; we’re right there meeting our level orange restrictions,” she said referencing Boulder County’s Safer at Home Level Orange: High Risk status on the state’s COVID dial. “And we’ve got plenty of space to keep people 6 feet apart; so, we are feeling pretty good about that.”
Taylor said she doesn’t believe the rink will have any issues staying open even with the uncertainty of COVID-related closures.
Jones said he believes the restrictions on the amount of people will help ensure a smooth season.
“If they control the size of the crowds, then it would relieve the nervousness for not only myself but friends and coworkers,” he said, adding he understands this year poses more than its share of challenges and that businesses and facilities need to innovate ways to continue operating in a safe manner.
The season at the Ice Pavilion will include youth, teen and adult hockey, open skating sessions and more. Sessions will be an hour long and require reservations. More information and a link to make reservations can be found on the Ice Pavilion webpage.
“We are very happy to have something that’s an outdoor activity that’s weather appropriate during the coldest part of the year,” Taylor said. “We just want to provide something for families to do that they can stay safe while doing it.”
