Breaking News! The ice rink is open and here are some photos of the Family Skating party that was held today...

Brought to you by the the Norwich Recreation Council and the Marion Cross School PTO. I was asked to stop by and take some photos which I have added to this story

Hello Norwich,

Here is an Ice breaker for you. I reached out to Brie Swenson, our Norwich Recreation Director to do a story on the ice rink on the green. I had read a list serve post that had some info on the new rink that was recently installed and wondered when it would be opened for Norwich residents to use.

She asked if I could stop by and take some photos as it is now open and today there will be a family skating party from 3:15 to 4:30 pm. I will be there to take some and add to this story.

Here are the photos:

First comes the prep and the safety pep talks from the parents

And then some start to venture out

And the fun begins

Lots of fun and even some smiles here

A serious skating session happening here

And a group photo with some steaming hot chocolate provided by Norwich Farm Creamery.

And another with the owners pouring it on with a smile

And another group photo here

They seem to be having a blast just watching all the skaters

As the dog in this photo is probably thinking -Ok where is that treat you promised me?

Their smiles are keeping them warm for sure!

Being near the fire pit is a sure way of staying warm!

As another brave skater is ready to tackle the ice

And here comes the Norwich shuttle service

And there seem be free rides offered here

So what’s it like, he asks?

Getting ready to sail across the rink

After reading the Norwich Recreational updates below take a few moments to check out a story that I did a while back that will show all the prep that goes into making the ice ready for public skating. I will place story link at the end of this story so as not to confuse the two.

Here is the update from Brie Swenson and the Recreation council, which was posted in yesterdays list serve.

8. Norwich Recreation Updates
From: Brie Swenson <BSwenson@norwich.vt.us>
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:41:26 +0000

1 - The ice rink is OPEN, thanks to Buck & the 2024 Hosers.  This year's rink is truly magical after the sun sets. We added under-rink lighting in 'Norwich Blue' so that the perimeter glows.  If you need skates, please stop by the bins behind Tracy Hall to see if we have your size. You are welcome to borrow skates for a season and return them in the spring.

2 - Huntley Meadow is being groomed again by a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers, headed up by Bob Fisken.  If you see the grooming team while you are skiing - please make sure to thank them for giving us another way to stay active this winter!  If you are in need of boots and/or skis, we still have about six pairs of skis and boots left (mostly kids sizes).  Contact bswenson@norwich.vt.us  to find out more.  The supply changes often, as people drop off last season's equipment.

3 - Family Skating Party - this Friday, January 19th, the Recreation Council will host a family skating party with the Marion Cross PTO from 3:15-4:30pm.  Hot chocolate will be provided by local favorite: Norwich Farm Creamery.

4 - Community Potluck - This Sunday, January 21st from 5:00-7:00pm, is our next potluck at Tracy Hall.  We will have music by Judy Pond & friends, as well as board games.  We are also fortunate that our Town Clerk, Lily Trajman, will be on site to help you register to vote, license your dog(s) and fill out absentee ballot forms.  You can play, eat, and take care of your civic duties all in one night!  We hope to see you there.

Brie Swenson
Recreation Director
Town of Norwich
802-649-1419 x5

And here is a story that was done in 2021 showing the full prep of the rink and some skating that was done when it opened. Click on the blue read full story link.

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