Ice rink opens for first day on Monday in Lewisburg

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

Jan. 23—LEWISBURG — The Lewisburg Ice Rink opened this week for the first time this winter season.

Skaters came to the Buffalo Valley Recreation Authority's (BVRA) rink on Monday when the temperatures were low enough to sustain the ice. The rink, which opened in 1972, is located on the corner of Saint Mary and Saint Lawrence streets in Lewisburg next to the BVRA Nature Studio.

"We had a great crowd," said BVRA Board Member and Treasurer Char Gray. "Everybody had a wonderful time. We had lots of people. I think the fire pit, the hot chocolate, the s'mores, the music and the atmosphere contributed to a very successful first day this year. We hope the weather cooperates and we get many more days out of this winter."

The fenced-in basin next to the studio is flooded in December by the William Cameron Engine Company when the ground is frozen. Temperatures and weather have to be just right to open the rink.

"We really need at least five good days of below freezing very cold weather to get the ice frozen to about 3 1/2 to 4 inches," said Gray. "We also need frozen ground before the fire department can fill the area. If it's not frozen, then the water will just drain. We do not have any type of liner to hold the water."

Several generations of people were on the ice on Monday. Toddlers, children, teens, parents, grandparents and Bucknell students were all there, she said.

BVRA office coordinator and board member Dana Bernardo said the ice rink is free admission and free skate rental. Donations are accepted.

Bernardo said last winter the rink was open a few times.

"It looks like this week is going to be tough," said Bernardo about another rink day. "We've had some puddling today (Tuesday) with the rain. That will have to freeze back over. It doesn't look like until next week.

Brett Schrey, of Lewisburg, was pulling his two daughters, Maggie, 4, and Nora, 3, on a sled while he skated around the rink on Monday.

He said they had been to the Sunbury Ice Rink once this year, but this was the first time they had been to the Lewisburg rink and that they were having a good time.

The best way to find out if the rink is open is to call 570-524-4774 or check the BVRA Facebook page.