Mayor dreams of outdoor ice skating rink revival

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the potential revival of an ice skating rink in City Park, a concept that harkens back to the 1920s when an ice rink was reportedly located in the area. While the exact historical location remains uncertain, with references to either the pond or old open-topped reservoirs, the idea of reintroducing an ice skating venue has garnered interest.

One participant raised the possibility of placing a new rink in a courtyard on the 800 or 900 block, but concerns were noted regarding the site's uneven terrain, which features a slope of up to 4%. The requirements for a successful ice rink include a level foundation and a sand base to prevent water from pooling unevenly when frozen.

The conversation also touched on the existing ice hockey rink used by the Reading Royals, which has been opened for public skating in recent years. However, the rink's ownership by the arena authority limits its availability for outdoor skating events. The mayor has expressed a strong desire to create an outdoor skating venue, emphasizing its unique ambiance and community appeal. Various locations, including the Cherry RPA lot, the state lot, and City Park, have been considered for this initiative.

As the discussions continue, the community remains hopeful for the return of outdoor ice skating, a nostalgic activity that could enhance local winter festivities.