NORWICH — Families and children embraced the winter spirit this past weekend as they laced up their skates and hit the ice at the newly installed rinks on Borden Avenue and East Park.

The ice rinks, maintained by the City of Norwich Youth Bureau and Department of Public Works, opened to the public Saturday, drawing more than 100 visitors daily despite the frigid weather.

The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to keep local parks active during the winter months.

The rink at the Robert Mason Recreation Center on Borden Avenue is open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m., with free skate rentals available in the Recreation Center building from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The East Park rink, also free to use, is open from dawn to dusk.

City officials hope the rinks will continue to provide a fun, family-friendly activity throughout the winter season. (Photos by Tyler Murphy)