(above) Making it official! Ribbon cutting ceremony on Opening Day at the Westfield Rink.
This winter, the Westfield Rink at Gumbert Park became a place to see the Westfield community at its finest. The outdoor rink not only hosted skating lessons, open skates and open hockey each weekend, but also a number of outreach programs that benefited the residents of Westfield.
(above) Ready to push the stone during Curling lessons at The Westfield Rink.
In late December, the rink held an Adaptive Skate, designed to give children with special needs a chance to lace up and get on the ice. Volunteers from the Westfield Hockey Club and the Union Thunder Club provided support for the kids, many of whom had never skated.
The rink hosted two separate all-girls ice hockey clinics which highlights the growth of women’s hockey. Westfield native Rebecca “Moose” Morse, who plays professionally with the local Metropolitan Riveters, led the girls through drills and scrimmages. The first clinic was sponsored by the Westfield Hockey Club. The second clinic was sponsored by the Union Thunder Club.
Tamaques, Jefferson, McKinley, Washington and Wilson Elementary Schools held skate nights at the rink for their students, giving kids and their families a chance to get outside and hang with friends.
Curling clinics were held multiple times for both adults and children who were interested in learning about the Olympic sport.
The WHS Varsity boys team held a “Blue Puck Event”, where the high schoolers skated with youngsters who dream about playing ice hockey for the high school and beyond.
Since opening in November, The Westfield Rink has seen 15,000 people pass through its gates and take to the ice. This winter, The Westfield Rink gave everyone an opportunity to leave their devices behind and participate as a community in outdoor events all winter long.
Submitted by Jill Garnhart
Photos by Beth Hornstein
(above, l-r) Figure skaters Colleen Berg and Sherrie Natko, both from Westfield Coldwell Banker, showed off their stuff at Opening Day for The Westfield Rink.
(above) WHS Jazz musicians kept the mood swinging at Opening Day for The Westfield Rink.
Former NJ Devil Bruce Driver helped celebrate Opening Day at The Westfield Rink. He’s pictured here with (L to R) Ann Marie O’Donnell, The NJ Devil and Beth Hornstein.
