Success of ice skating rink has Warren Mayor O’Brien pleased

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Warren Mayor Michael J. O'Brien

Paid attendance has been about 300 per day at the ice rink.

WARREN — The large number of people using the Courthouse Park ice skating rink during the 11 days since school let out Dec. 21 have convinced Warren Mayor Michael O’Brien that the rink is a success.

“It’s been just phenomenal the reaction from the public,” O’Brien said. “We didn’t know how it would go, but it’s been beyond our expectations,” he said.

The mayor said he defines success in terms of having provided entertainment to people of all ages, especially kids.

“I’ve been down here every day, and everyone is giving the thumbs-up,” he said, adding that paid attendance has been around 300 per day.

The city spent about $40,000 to upgrade the electrical service available in the park, something that made the ice rink possible but will also benefit activities there for years to come.

The Warren business group Trumbull 100 and others donated the $65,000 to install and run the rink. Those groups and the city will have to get together at some later point and decide whether it’s possible to bring the rink back for next year, he said.

After the rink closes Jan. 13, the sand base under the rink will be stored, and the grass replanted, O’Brien said.

The price is $5 for skaters with or without their own skates.

Hours of operation are noon to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m. Sundays, and 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 7 through 10.