Are Skating Rinks in Town Open Yet?

Welcome to You Asked...Patch Answers where we answer readers questions. We recently received questions about the ice skating rinks in both Reading and North Reading. Patch readers want to find out when they will be open for skating. Here's your answer.

Reading

According to Reading Recreation Administrator John Feudo they are waiting on the weather for the . The January thaw last week did not help. It may be another week or so before the ice is ready for skating again.   

"The rinks are actually open and ready once the ice arrives, we had several days of skating during the early Jan. cold spell. We will need to wait now for the next. It will take temps in the single digits and teens for a few days," he said.

The lights will remain on, but around six inches of ice is necessary for skating.

Here are some tips from Reading Recreation regarding skating outdoors:

• Always remember that ice-covered water is never completely safe.
• Always go out with friends and let others know when you will be on the ice and when you will return. If possible, take with you a cell phone wrapped in a plastic bag.
• Understand wind chill factors are relative temperature guides. Although a thermometer may read 40 degrees, a wind speed of 20 miles per hour can cause a body to lose heat as if the temperature were actually 18 degrees.
• Carry a whistle or other noisemaker to alert people if you are in distress.
• Dress in layers and add extra clothing for the head, neck, sides, and groin, which are the primary heat-loss areas. Wool and modern synthetics are recommended as good fabric choices for clothing; cotton when wet is slow to dry.

North Reading

Unlike last year, the Parks and Recreation Department does not have plans for a skating rink at Ipswich River Park this year, according to Parks and Recreation Operations Director/Department Head Maureen Stevens. 

Last year there was an outdoor skating rink at Ipswich River Park. The rink was a joint effort between the North Reading Skating Association and Parks and Recreation.