Skating rinks see big changes
Public welcome, but conditions call for masks, distancing, registrations
This story is brought to you by Peggy Fleming.
All right, not really.
The idea behind it are the movies “I, Tonya” and “Blades of Glory.”
Sorry, more fake news.
The true impetus behind this ice skating story is to discover the possible links between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and how it will impact public skating rinks and sledding hills.
Not scientifically like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Nope, merely applications with things like social distancing and crowd control requirements.
Our first stop will be the Dodge Park Ice Rink in Sterling Heights.
This year, patrons must register in order to skate at the rink this year. With a limit of 75 skaters per time block, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
The following modifications
are in place.
Masks/facial coverings are required.
A signed waiver is also required. Skaters under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.
Sterling Heights residents with valid ID can skate or enter the Farmers Market Pavillion for free after registering. Non-residents must pay a $5 fee to skate or enter the Pavillion, Residents and non-residents must be registered to be underneath the Pavillion whether skating or not due to occupancy restrictions.
Any non-resident cancelling a skate session must cancel within two business days before their scheduled skate session to receive a full credit or refund. Less than two days or same-day cancellation will result in a non-refund.
Sledding hills are more widely available throughout the county. A quick Google search reveals nine or 10 in places like the City Center Sled Hill on Romeo Plank in Clinton Township; the Maynard “Red” Aurand Memorial Park on Huntley Avenue in New Baltimore; and the sledding hill at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township.
All of the hills seem to be adhering to the social distancing rule of six feet or more of spacing and a requirement to wear masks.