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Tucked away in the Village of Fairport is a slice of ice that provides winter recreation for all ages.
Fairport Junction Ice Arena, the small but located outdoor ice skating rink next to the Box Factory, is now in its fifth season. Why do people love it?
"It's convenient, it's free, and it's fresh air," said Maria Stein, who brought her granddaughters Zoe, nine, and Maisa, 11, to the rink during their winter vacation.
"It's nice that you can just come whenever you want and don't have to worry about it being open skate," said Stein.
She remembers the days when her own children skated outdoors at Potter Park in the 1970s and '80s. For many like her, outdoor ice skating is a nostalgic reminder of their childhood.
John Corey, who brought his daughters Kailynn, nine, and Kristina, four, to the rink for the first time on Dec. 28 says he's glad they can enjoy the rink in their own hometown.
"I used to do it as a kid," said Corey, who recalls going to Manhattan Square Park Ice Rink in the past. "It brings back memories."
The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Because it's free, many take advantage of it after school or on the weekends, when the rink is busiest. It is even lit at night.
Just around the corner is RV&E Bike and Skate, where kids and adults can rent skates for $5. Owner Howard Sharp says the spot has brought many people to Fairport, some as far as Rochester.
"It's been a nice attraction for our village," said Sharp.
The arena first opened February 2006 after sizable donations from the Polisseni family and Fairport Industrial Development Agency. It is maintained by the Town of Perinton and has only grown in popularity since it arrived.
But what is it about the skating outdoors that excites people?
"Outdoor skating is very traditional and it appeals to people because of its old style," said Mary Jeanne Mooney of RV&E. "The more primitive it gets, the better."
It's certainly a step above pond skating, and maybe a step below indoor skating. Either way, it's worth a chill — and hopefully not too many spills.
Tucked away in the Village of Fairport is a slice of ice that provides winter recreation for all ages.
Fairport Junction Ice Arena, the small but located outdoor ice skating rink next to the Box Factory, is now in its fifth season. Why do people love it?
"It's convenient, it's free, and it's fresh air," said Maria Stein, who brought her granddaughters Zoe, nine, and Maisa, 11, to the rink during their winter vacation.
"It's nice that you can just come whenever you want and don't have to worry about it being open skate," said Stein.
She remembers the days when her own children skated outdoors at Potter Park in the 1970s and '80s. For many like her, outdoor ice skating is a nostalgic reminder of their childhood.
John Corey, who brought his daughters Kailynn, nine, and Kristina, four, to the rink for the first time on Dec. 28 says he's glad they can enjoy the rink in their own hometown.
"I used to do it as a kid," said Corey, who recalls going to Manhattan Square Park Ice Rink in the past. "It brings back memories."
The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Because it's free, many take advantage of it after school or on the weekends, when the rink is busiest. It is even lit at night.
Just around the corner is RV&E Bike and Skate, where kids and adults can rent skates for $5. Owner Howard Sharp says the spot has brought many people to Fairport, some as far as Rochester.
"It's been a nice attraction for our village," said Sharp.
The arena first opened February 2006 after sizable donations from the Polisseni family and Fairport Industrial Development Agency. It is maintained by the Town of Perinton and has only grown in popularity since it arrived.
But what is it about the skating outdoors that excites people?
"Outdoor skating is very traditional and it appeals to people because of its old style," said Mary Jeanne Mooney of RV&E. "The more primitive it gets, the better."
It's certainly a step above pond skating, and maybe a step below indoor skating. Either way, it's worth a chill — and hopefully not too many spills.
