DAYS WELL SPENT ON OUTDOOR RINKS

In reference to an item from Charlottetown’s parks and recreation committee (Outdoor fun available across the city,

Feb. 25), I am sure many people are thankful for the city providing these 10 to 12 outdoor skating rinks. Travelling on Water Street, it is so nice to see young and old skating on Founder’s Hall rink site.

My memories go back to the natural, outdoor skating facilities we had in the 1940s and early ’50s which are now gone. I am sure folks older than me remember these and other spots as well.

As a very young child, my parents took me to Heustis Pond (Oak Tree Mall today), strapped on four-runner skates over my boots, carried me through the bulrushes to finally get to the ice to learn how to skate.

Then, of course, if you were fortunate, according to us as children, to live near or by the “crick” (a “spring” running from Huestis Pond to Government Pond), you had the opportunity to skate anytime on a long, narrow frozen path.

Finally, those of us fortunate enough to go to the “old West Kent School” (where the provincial office buildings now stand) and anyone living close by were able to skate on Government Pond (from Brighton Road to Kent Street).

In those days, summer and winter, Government Pond (originally Governor’s Pond) and the “crick” were our playgrounds before the culverts came.

As you are aware, Government Pond is now a paved over Provincial parking lot with the exception of a very small portion of the pond left on Kent Street at the beginning of Victoria Park.

Sweet memories! We were outside in the fresh air and having fun.

So folks, if you are physically able, go and enjoy these free skating rinks the city’s parks and recreation have provided for you.

What a nice gift to you!

If not able to skate, enjoy watching those that can skate and bring back your own wonderful memories. It will warm your heart.

Stella (Robbins) Newman, Charlottetown