The City of Norwich Youth Bureau is looking into a seasonal ice rink for downtown Norwich. If approved, the rink will be placed in front of the stage in East Park for the winter season. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The City of Norwich Youth Bureau is looking into getting a seasonal ice skating rink for downtown Norwich.

Youth Bureau Director Anthony Testani said the rink would be 30 by 60 feet and cost the Youth Bureau $4,500 to purchase, which would be covered by past donations and fundraising efforts.

Although the City of Norwich has an ice rink at Weiler Park, Testani said it’s been difficult in past years to form ice on it. A new seasonal rink would be placed in East Park in front of the stage, providing easier ice creation and a second place for Norwich residents and visitors to enjoy ice skating.

“The reason we’re trying this out is because last winter we didn’t open up Weiler Park at all because of the warmer weather and the asphalt retained the heat,” Testani explained. “I think we’re going to run into the same problem again with being unable to make ice there.”

“So the alternative, I looked into this idea,” he continued. “I spoke to some folks that have used these types of ice rinks in the past and they all said they’ve had great success. Downtown Sherburne put one up basically for most of the winter last year.”

He said the Weiler Park rink will still be open in the winter, weather permitting, and still provide ice skates. The downtown location, however, will not be staffed, and visitors will need to bring their own skates.

The City of Norwich Youth Bureau has received support from the Norwich Business Improvement District, Commerce Chenango, and Friends of the Parks. Now, Testani said he’s just waiting on final approval from the county.

“Hopefully I get word from the county here sometime soon and we’ll do it,” he said. “I think it’ll be really cool to see folks out there at night, and bringing people downtown would be a nice benefit.”