NAUGATUCK — The weather is frigid and the borough is taking full advantage.
Naugatuck’s municipal ice skating rink officially opened for the season Thursday.
“This gives children something else to do in the winter, and they have a lot of fun with it,” said Linda Ramos, a Parks and Recreation commissioner and one of the driving forces behind getting the skating rink open every year.
The rink, which is free and open to the public, has been moved to Breen Field North on Hotchkiss Street. Signs will indicate when it is open and information will be posted online when it is closed, but the tentative public skating hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Stick time, when hockey is allowed, is 7 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. During stick time, skaters must wear hockey skates and helmets.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Only skates are allowed on the ice — no shoes, boots or sneakers are allowed.
A couple of special events are being planned at the rink. One is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 23, during an event called “Magic and Bubbles.” That event features Pete and Chris Amusements doing magic tricks for all ages, plus sales of hot dogs, cocoa and other snacks.
On Feb. 13, the borough will host a “Fire and Ice” event, time to be determined.
Check www.naugatuck-ct.gov for more information about the “Fire and Ice” event and about the skating rink in general.