Free ice skating open to public saturdays, now through February

Bringing back a bit of wintertime nostalgia, the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association and two Westfield Girl Scout Troops offer free, public ice skating on a temporary, outdoor rink in the city’s downtown, every Saturday from 4-7 p.m., now through February. The rink is located on Indiana 32 in the Red Man Lot, just east of Union and Main Streets, the same lot used for the Westfield Market during warmer months. 

Relying on “Mother Nature” to freeze the ice, the public is invited to come along for winter fun on any cold Saturday. Two dozen pairs of rental skates are available for kids and adults on a first-come, first-served basis, but it’s still best to bring along your own. The rink is open for skating during the week, but refreshments are not available. Participation is always skate at your own risk. 

Local Westfield High School Girl Scout Troop 731 and Westfield Middle School Girl Scout Troop 778, in cooperation with the DWNA, organize these events and offer refreshments for sale at a nominal cost. Hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting over an open fire are available. 

In an effort to provide additional loaner skates for future events, the troops have begun an ice skate donation drive. Anyone interested in donating used ice skates of any size or style can bring them to the rink during the Saturday skating events. The troop also seeks donations of straw bales and firewood. 

Anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation should contact Troop Leader Beth Silcox at 317-758-1237. To show your support or sign up for skating news become a fan on Facebook at Girl Scout Troop 731 – Free Community Ice Skating or join Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association on Facebook.