Moorefield Optimists welcome community to outdoor ice rink

MOOREFIELD – The Moorefield Optimists maintain an ice rink outside their hall at 14 Ball Ave.

Optimist president Ryan Campbell said people were skating on the rink in the middle of December, but a rise in temperature the week before Christmas meant it had to be closed, and then flooded again on Dec. 19.

He spoke to the Community News between visits to the rink that day, and said he was hopeful it would be back up and running as quickly as the following day.

When the rink opens or closes, the club posts it on the Optimist Club of Moorefield Facebook page.

“In 2022, the club installed the roof and curtains with significant help from community projects, fundraising efforts, and local support,” Campbell said, and these help to extend how long the rink can stay open.

Though it’s a large rink (40 by 90 feet) surrounded by baseboards, there’s no Zamboni to maintain the ice – it is shoveled by volunteers and flooded with “tremendous” support from the Moorefield firefighters, Campbell said.

The other volunteers are mostly Optimist members, and there’s a good group of people helping so they aren’t currently seeking volunteers, he said.

The club is in the process of replacing the rink board panels, and individuals and businesses interested in advertising opportunities are encouraged to contact a club member or reach out by email at info@moorefieldoptimist.ca.

Campbell said community facilities like the Moorefield ice rink “would not be possible without the continued generosity and involvement of our residents and local businesses.”

In an email, Campbell added: “On behalf of the Moorefield Optimist Club, we wish everyone a safe, enjoyable skating season.

“Please enjoy the rink and be courteous to others using the facility.”