by Emilia Scheemaker
It’s hard to miss the construction going on at Deering Oaks Park. Backhoes and excavators have taken up residence in the park as they work to rebuild the bottom of the pond.
Pond at Deering Oaks Park
The 3.5 acre pond will be dug down, partially filled with gravel and then fitted with a concrete mat. The concrete mat should allow crews to remove trash, muck and debris more easily after each season. This $1 million project is expected to be finished in April.
While the project is underway, there will be no ice-skating at Deering Oaks.
Deering Oaks Park has typically been a popular place for skating, but other options are available. Payson Park, the Ludlow Street pond near Deering High School, the Breakwater School pond over by Nason’s Corner and the Riverside Golf Course are all offering skating areas.
The newcomer to the scene is The Rink at Thompson’s Point. Thompson’s Point opened December 4th to host skaters of all ages. The 7500 sq. ft. outdoor arena is covered by a roofing structure that you can see from I-295.
The Rink is making use of an ice resurfacer, to keep surfaces smooth all season. In addition, the Facebook page shows a warming lounge for all ages, a bar serving beer and wine for the adults, and a fire pit to warm you up while enjoying the cold air.
There are rumors that The Rink will also host a number of food trucks, but just which food trucks is still under negotiation. Expect to see more details on this as the season gets underway.
The Rink is planning some ice-centered events for later in the season.
Admission to the rink is $8 and skate rentals are $2.
For more information about The Rink at Thompson’s Point, visit their website: http://www.therinkatthompsonspoint.com/
Or visit them on Facebook.
