Village builds new skate rink in Veteran's Memorial Park

Warwick — For many winters, the Village of Warwick has flooded the basketball court at Stanley-Deming Park to provide residents with an ice skating rink. This year, however, the basketball court remains intact. Skaters don’t have to go far, though, for an improved skating surface right here in the village. Department of Public Works Superintendent Steve Sisco came up with the idea to build a new rink at the pavilion in Veteran’s Memorial Park. This location was chosen also because there is a nearby water supply. The village made the decision to change the location of the skating rink because of years of problems at the Stanley-Deming location. Over time, the drains below the basketball court clogged in large part because of the roots growing from nearby willow trees. This caused some costly repairs. This past fall, the village decided to remove the drains below the basketball court, thereby discontinuing the flooding for the ice rink. “Flooding and freezing a black surface made for more of a slush rink than a skate rink,” said Trustee Eileen Patterson. “And the drains in the middle of the court were not conducive to a proper surface for basketball players. To move to the pavilion was a great idea.” The rink measures 40 by 60 feet and is covered, which should keep it frozen longer since rain and sun won’t contribute to its melting. And when it snows, the surface will stay clear for skaters. The rink can be taken down each year and re-installed the next. And if your family is split on whether to skate or sled on a crisp winter’s day, Veteran’s Memorial Park has it all. “There are some great hills back there for families that need a spot for both sledders and skaters,” said Patterson. The park is open from dawn till dusk each day.