By Don Nelson
The Winthrop Rink will open for its summer roller skating season next Wednesday (June 14).
Rink manager Connor Walsh said the rink will be open for regular sessions and will also offer special events. And this year, the rink’s concrete surface will also be used for pickleball games.
The rink recently concluded a successful season in its first winter of operation with ice-making equipment that allowed the facility to stay open from November to March.
Hours for general roller skating will be from 5 – 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays. Admission and skate rentals for will be $6 for youth and $8 for adults, while children 5 and under skate for free.
Both roller skates and roller blades will be available for rental, as well as helmets and pads that can be checked out for free.
The rink building’s upstairs meeting room is also available for parties, Walsh said.
Pickleball games start on Tuesday (June 13), with drop-in sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Cost is $3. Six pickleball courts will be painted on the rink’s surface.
Walsh said a pickleball tournament is in the works and details will be announced later.
Local pickleball players have been using outdoor courts at the Twisp town park, and indoor courts at the Methow Valley Community Center.
Pickleball is somewhat similar to tennis. The court is smaller, the net is lower, players use paddles rather than racquets, and the balls are whiffle balls.
Special events at the rink this summer include:
• June 21, kids 17 and younger skate for free.
• June 30, half-price admission and rentals for adults.
• July 8, Skate-A-Palooza, teen skating party for ages 13 – 18, 9 – 11 p.m.
• July 19, kids 17 and younger skate for free.
• Aug. 2, Skate-A-Palooza, part two, teen skating party for ages 13 – 18, 9 – 11 p.m.
• Aug. 16, kids 17 and under skate for free.
• Aug. 26, half-price admission and rentals for adults.
For more information, call 996 – 4199 or visit 7.
