This story has been updated to include the hours Hippach Field’s warming hut is open and information on the free use of skating and hockey equipment.
WILTON – The skating rink and warming shack at Kineowatha Park are now open just in time for those on vacation this week. The Farmington Parks and Recreation Department has also opened the skating rink at Hippach Field.
Wilton Recreation Director Frank Donald said the rink’s vacation hours for the warming shack at the rink are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Lights stay on at the rink until 8:30 p.m. even when the warming shack is closed.
There are free skate rentals and out-of-town skaters are welcomed. Regular winter hours for the warming shack are Monday-Thursday 3-5 p.m., Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday noon-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. People can book the shack for group outings such as birthday parties, church groups, scout events, etc. Call 645-4825 to book or to check on ice conditions. The park entrance is located at 90 High Street in Wilton.
In Farmington, a $7,000 grant from the Healthy Community Coalition and another $1,000 grant from Walmart this fall allowed for the purchase of a new ice rink kit that includes a heavy duty liner, boards and brackets. The rink was installed last week and is open in time this vacation week as well.
Anyone can skate at any time as long as ice conditions are good, but there are specific hours when Hippach Field’s warming hut is open next to the rink. During this vacation week, the hut is open everyday from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as long as ice conditions are good, said Seth Noonkester, assistant Rec Dept. director. Regular hut hours are Fridays 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and and Sundays 12:30 p.m. to to 9:30 p.m. There are skates and hockey equipment available for free use. If the warming hut is closed, those wanting to borrow skates or hockey gear or want an update on ice conditions, can call the Rec Dept. at 778-3464.
Despite Monday night’s rain, the rink’s ice is in good condition on Tuesday morning, Noonkester said.
Thank you, Wilton and Farmington for providing these rinks!!