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Founder’s Park Skating Rink
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/12 - December | Photograph By: Susan Renfro
If you want to make some outstanding winter memories, pay a visit to the ice skating rink at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park in downtown Highlands. The rink opened at the end of November and will remain open through March 5.
Since its inauguration last winter, the area surrounding the rink has seen a great deal of improvement. Nick Bazan of the Friends of Founders’ Park said the much-anticipated stone fireplace will be completed and will keep visitors warm while they watch the activity on the skating rink. It is a reproduction of the century-old Kelsey fireplace currently located behind the Falls on Main and is a gas fireplace rather than wood.
The Recreation Department’s Lester Norris promises skates for every size at no charge and hot chocolate and coffee for only $1. It costs $5 to skate. With any luck you can sit by the fire as the snow falls while you sip a hot drink and take those Instagram-worthy photos.
Hours of operation will be Thursdays, 1:00 to 8:00 P.M.; Fridays and Saturdays, 1:00 to 10:00 P.M.; and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. New this year, Norris says they’ll open the rink Monday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. for ice hockey. Of course, the schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions.
The park is almost, but not totally, finished and Bazan encourages everyone to do their part in helping raise funds for completion. For more information on Friends of Founders’ Park, contact Nick Bazan at (828) 371-2653, P.O. Box 1703, Highlands NC.
To learn more about the skating rink and other Highlands Recreation Department amenities, contact Lester Norris at (828) 526-3556.
