New outdoor ice skating rink coming to Westport

While it isn’t a secret that 2020 has been a difficult year for many, soon there will be a nugget of optimism.

A local community supported non-profit is opening up a man-made outdoor ice skating rink in Westport.

Amanda Deane, Vice President and founder of Flying Starlings, came up with the idea.

“The idea came because as a Westport resident, I felt like there was nowhere for me to ice skate with my own children.”

The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the start of the rink.

“I felt that with Covid it was more important than ever to be able to provide some sort of outdoor activity for families in our community. Holidays can be so stressful for some that we wanted to make sure we try to do our part and support a positive measure for the community. What more magical of a place to ice skate with your family and friends. To forget the worries for a bit and have a little hot cocoa while you enjoy the outdoors.”

The rink is a product of donations and the community of Westport, along with Flying Starlings themselves.

“The support and donations of our community help make projects like this happen. As of recent, we’ve been collecting ice skates for those families who can’t afford to purchase their own in order that they may be able to enjoy ice-skating. Gurney’s Saw Mill in Freetown donated the wood to support the frame of the ice-skating rink. It has been such a positive and beautiful project to see the community pull together and support creating joy and happiness.”

Flying Starlings will be having public skates on December 12th (rain date December 19th), January 9th (rain date January 30th), January 16th (rain date February 6th), and January 23rd (rain date February 13th) at a cost of $5.00 per child, ages 18 months – 18 years old. 1 guardian is included at no charge. More dates may be added.

The rink is located at Walt’s “Secret” Orchard, where the fruit was grown for Walt’s Fruit Stand.

COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks, must be followed.

For more information or to make reservations, contact Flying Starlings