The rink has provided opportunities for people of all abilities, including participants in a prior sled hockey event (above).
The Camden County Parks Department will bring its 10th WinterFest Ice Skating rink back to Cooper River through Feb. 25.
“It’s one of the most popular events that Camden County produces for its residents, something that residents have asked for each and every year,” said County Commissioner Jeff Nash.
WinterFest began as a way for the county to provide affordable, family entertainment for the holiday. To gain attention, the county brought in ice dancers from Orlando, Florida. But the performers weren’t necessary once word was out about the rink.
In its earlier days, the rink opened closer to the holidays and continued only through the New Year. But it proved so popular that county residents asked for it to both start and end later.
The rink has attracted varied groups in its 10 years, including the Division of disABILITIES and Special Needs, which used the ice for a sled hockey and skating day for its residents. WinterFest is also an official Toys for Tots dropoff location.
The park will be open from noon to 10 p.m. from the day after Christmas to Saturday, Dec. 30. Hours outside of that are as follows:
- Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m.
- Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.
Special holiday hours include:
- Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) noon to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Closed
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): noon to 8 p.m.
- New Year’s Day (Jan. 1): noon to 10 p.m.
- MLK Day (Monday, Jan. 15): noon to 9 p.m.
- President’s Day (Tuesday, Feb. 20): noon to 9 p.m.
- Last dat (Sunday Feb. 25): noon to 9 p.m.
Hours may be affected by weather.
The rink will also have skate rental available for all ages at $6. Admission is $5.50 for kids from 5 to 12, veterans and seniors; and $7.50 for adults. Children 4 and younger are free. Unlimited skating, not including rentals, is available for $125.
Customers can also get their skates sharpened for $6.50 and there will be refreshments for sale.
More information can be found at CamdenCounty.com/WinterFest.
