After delay, Folsom Ice Rink is ready for skaters in time for holiday

After a delay in its scheduled opening last week, the Historic Folsom Ice Rink is ready for action just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond. The rink was due to open last Friday but a technical issue with the chiller caused a delay in the creation of the much important ice being formed. Skaters took to the ice for the first time late Wednesday. "We finally have ice made! " said Judy Collinsworth, executive director for the Folsom Historic District Association. "The Folsom Historic District Association is proud to present the 2020 Historic District Ice Rink located in the public plaza around the picturesque railroad turntable." While COVID-19 has caused the closure or changes in many long holiday traditions, officials got the green light last month to carry on with opening the event for 2020. While the rink will look much like it has, many changes are taking place in the way of operations to ensure visitor safety and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "The ice rink is set to be open for just over two months and provides a fantastic opportunity to get outside this holiday season. With a projected 25,000-plus skaters, this beautiful ice rink brings enjoyment and wonderful memories to all visitors," reads an excerpt from the ice rink brochure. While enjoyment and laughter is bound to ensue, the Historic Folsom District is seriously taking COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety of guests at the ice rink. Sacramento County and the state of California now mandate that masks be worn in public spaces, six feet of social distancing is required at the ice rink, capacity limits are being enforced along with set session times daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. It is recommended that those planning a trip to ice skate make a reservation in advance online at www.folsomicerink.com. Increased frequency of cleaning will be done at the rink. Hand sanitizer stations will be placed at the ticket booth. The rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m Annual construction of the rink takes about three to four weeks, with 11 miles of polyethylene tubing placed around the track, along with a 125-ton chiller to keep the space cold. Several layers of water are placed on top of the tubing, which then freezes. General admission to the ice rink will be $12 and $10 for children 6 and under. Skate rental is $3. For complete information, visit www.folsomicerink.com. The ice rink is made possible by a number of community businesses that sponsor the facility each year. Bayside Church of Folsom is this year's presenting sponsor.