NARROWSBURG, NY — It was a real community effort that made the ice skating rink in Narrowsburg happen. The Narrowsburg Union leased the ball field to the Town of Tusten and the Tusten Youth Commission for use of the rink during the winter season. The grand opening took place on Saturday, January 23 and everyone from young children to adults enjoyed a day on the ice.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with Tusten Supervisor Carol Wingert, Narrowsburg Union owner Brendan Weiden, Tusten Youth Commission President Doreen Wyss and Sullivan County Judge Frank LaBuda. The Heron served chili with all the fixings to keep skaters warm on the chilly and snowy day, and Pete’s Market donated a decorated cake. In addition to the rink, there is also a stylish seating area, designed by Alessandra Iavarone of The Velvet Maple in Honesdale, PA. It includes cozy red rocking chairs (donated by members of the community) and tables so people can sit and hang out, or watch their kids skate. There is also a large fire pit to warm hands and feet, and alongside the rink are logs for everyone to change out of their shoes and lace up their skates.

Although it was a snowy day, that didn’t stop people from coming out and enjoying the new ice skating rink. The kids were ecstatic as they put on their skates and grabbed hockey sticks to shoot the puck around. One little girl said it was her first time ever skating, and she was scared but happy.

The rink will be open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. Ice hockey hours are Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free and there is parking. Donated skates are available at the Catskill Hudson Bank.