Madeline Hardy ’11
Photo Editor
Gliding in circles across the rink, clinging to parents or siblings for balance, racing to see who is the fastest, skaters enjoyed the yearly and highly-anticipated opening to a new and improved Westport Police Athletic League Skating Rink at Longshore.
“My little girl lives here,” said Janet Gat, Westport resident and mother of three, about her 7–year–old daughter Daniella.
Most girls her age cling to the wall, venturing out onto the ice with arms spread wide, shuffling with unsure steps.
But her accomplished daughter, in her bright blue coat and pink bubble helmet, twirled, skated with speed, and made clean cut stops.
The rink this year is 15 percent larger and sports new protective plexi-glass walls. There is now a full-sized Zamboni and refrigeration units for improved ice quality. Adults over 12 skate for $10 or $8 with a handpass. Children under 12 will pay $6.25 or $5 with a hand pass. The proceeds go to support PAL athletic programs for the entire year.
While some enjoyed skating leisurely, others enjoyed a more competitive edge.
Charlotte Axthelm ’12 and Paul Morian, age 11, raced multiple times seeing who could reach the other end fastest.
“The rink is great for meeting friends and having fun,” Morian said, out of breath from being beaten by Axthelm, a member of the girls’ ice hockey team.
Among the people who were at the rink all agreed saying that the new and improved rink is pure fun. For hours of operation, visit www.wpalrink.com. The rink is open, weather permitting, every day until March 29.
