Courtesy Photo A Harrisville Department of Public Works Employee inspects the ice at a new rink in Harrisville. Mayor Jeff Gehring said opening the rink gives residents another activity to enjoy outdoors.

HARRISVILLE–The City of Harrisville is always looking for ways to make recreational activities available to its residents.

Recently it constructed an ice rink that is already a hit with families looking to get out of the house and enjoy the winter season.

Mayor Jeff Gehring said the idea of making a rink surfaced last year, but by the time planning was rounded out, winter was almost over, so the project was put on the backburner.

Now, it’s a reality.

Gehring said for years people used local ponds to ice skate, but most of the ponds have dried up and don’t produce ice now. He isn’t sure the last time the city operated a rink, or if it ever has.

“It just didn’t come together last year, but with the weather being as it is now, it ended up being ideal,” he said. “It has already been popular and used quite a bit. People are just happy to have another activity available for them. We are tickled to be able to do this.”

The city’s department of public works is going to be in charge of clearing and grooming the ice, and for removing snow.

After the installation of wall boards, benches, and LED lights, the rink is up and running from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.

A large tarp was purchased because the water wasn’t pooling well enough to freeze evenly. It is level and smooth now, Gehring said.

The city only spent about $1,000 in materials to make the rink, which the city considers a good deal.

“That is really a minimum investment to make for the community,” Gehring said. “It is a small gesture that is important to the people.”

There are still some improvements that need to be done, Gehring said. A sign for the rink is slated for installation that simply displays the park’s name, the City of Harrisville Ice Rink.