STROUDSBURG, Pa. — Crews have been working hard on the opening of Stroudsburg's outdoor ice-skating rink. This year, the rink is in a new location, one that is more central and in the heart of downtown along Main Street.
"In the past, we put our ice rink at our Third Street Park. The problem, it was kind of out of the way there. We talked to Bob Deinarowicz, who owns this cover property, and he was very kind to allow us to use it for our ice rink this year. So, I would say this is kind of like our Rockefeller Center here in Stroudsburg," said Larry Kopp, the borough manager.
The rink is free and open to everyone, but you must bring your skates.
Kopp says the sub-freezing temperatures we've been experiencing all week helped get the rink ready for skaters.
"Last year, we had one day of skating, one day total. So, this year, this week is looking great. It will be open this weekend. Next weekend, it will warm up again, but at least we will get a couple days and hopefully in the future for the rest of January and February."
People Newswatch 16 spoke with said they hope that bringing the ice rink downtown will encourage more people to get out and visit businesses on Main Street.
"I love it because I think it's going to give everyone an opportunity right on Main Street. It's a great Main Street, and it also adds some fun, and there are shops they can go to and food. It's going to be a whole experience," Joan Molloy said.
"I think the ice skating rink is great. I think people want to stay inside in the winter, and this is going to get people out, and it is going to bring people to the shops," Amanda Archer said.
The skating rink in Stroudsburg will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through February, weather permitting.