Sunday is last day to ice skate in Fort Smith

Robert Medley, Fort Smith Times Record
·2 min read

Ice skating in Fort Smith this year did not need synthetic ice. The freezing temperatures would have kept real ice from melting too early during the downtown fundraiser for the Community Rescue Mission's homeless outreach programs.

Skaters have taken to the synthetic ice at the rink located in Cisterna Park, N. A Street and Garrison Avenue in December for the second year.

It got so cold with the recent blast of freezing weather the rink was closed for two days before Christmas this year.

The last day to skate is Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

The Community Rescue Mission's transitional facility helps families experiencing homelessness a way to help people out of their situations and make sure children are in school, said Mike Thames, executive director. The mission has helped people who are unhoused since 1981.

"It's going pretty good. We've had some issues with the weather. We've had that really super cold weather and it was just kind of dangerous to be out there when the wind was blowing out there. That killed about three days for us," Thames said.

He said about $10,000 had been raised by Thursday, Dec. 29.

"This is a real blessing for us," Thames said. "We are blessed that our sponsors are covering our overhead," Thames said.

First National Bank of Fort Smith is a sponsor of the fundraiser with the Community Rescue Mission, Thames said. Other sponsors include Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co., ArcBest, Littlefield Oil, Central Business Improvement District and Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department.

Fort Smith firefighters volunteered at the Community Rescue Mission's ice skating rink at Cisterna Park this year. The last day to skate is Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
Fort Smith firefighters volunteered at the Community Rescue Mission's ice skating rink at Cisterna Park this year. The last day to skate is Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

The cost to ice skate is $5 for children under age 14 and $10 for those age 14 and older and the cost includes the skates.

Thames said he is hoping for a good ending to the run this year. Volunteers are needed. But the weather looks like it will be better through New Year's Day in Fort Smith.

Skating hours through Sunday are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To volunteer call Scott Ward at 479-459-6745 or email scott@grandfamily.net.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Last day to ice skate in Fort Smith is Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023