The best ice skating in Western Massachusetts is too frequently passed by because of the rest of the winter sports package in that part of the Bay State. Many Massachusetts residents and lots of folks from throughout New England and even the state of New York troop out religiously to Western Massachusetts during the winter for the accessible Massachusetts ski slopes and there really are some good skiing sites. But those who choose Western Massachusetts for their winter skiing may also want to give some consideration to some of the best ice skating in Western Massachusetts that can be found at these locations.
The Mullins Community Ice Rink , Amherst MA. Amherst, Massachusetts is home to several well known colleges and universities. Easily the largest university in Amherst Massachusetts is the University of Massachusetts. Among the many activities and facilities that UMass extends for use to the general public is the Mullins Community Ice Rink. The Center is named for Representative William Mullins of Ludlow,MA who was a prime mover in the Massachusetts legislature for the construction of a major sports and convocation center at UMass. The center is located on the western end of the UMass campus but is opened for the use of students and the public
The Mullins Center is actually two separate buildings one for basketball and other convocation functions and the other is the permanent Community Ice Rink. The Mullins Community Ice Rink is certainly used at set times for practice and play by school hockey teams. Still there are daily public skating hours too. The times when public skating is offered can vary and it is best to check the current open ice time by going to www.mullinscenter.com
All UMass students skate for free but others can skate at a cost of $6 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under. Skate rentals will cost you another $3. If you enjoy skating or want to learn this is a great bargain when you compare it to the cost of ski equipment and lift tickets .
Collins/Moylan Memorial Ice Skating Rink, Greenfield Located at 5 Barr Avenue in Greenfield, MA the Collins/Moylan Rink is a public skating facility that is operated under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This typically means that prices can expected to be reasonable, hours convenient and facility equipment well maintained.
At Collins/Moylan rink public skating is offered daily but the hours vary and it is always best to call in advance at 413-772- 6891 to determine when public ice is available. What you won’t have to check on is the price. General admission is always a very neat $4 . If you need to rent skates there is an additional $4 fee. Still when you compare the cost of this activity with almost any other you will come away feeling like you are the one that found the bargain. Seniors should take note that if you are 62 years of age or older you skate for free.
Cyr Skating Arena, Springfield. The City of Springfield, MA is one of the largest cities in Massachusetts. It is not surprising that a city of this size would have its own public skating facility where skating is offered at a reasonable rate and convenient hours for the general public. Cyr Skating Arena at 200 Trafton St. in Springfield provides skaters with a full range of skating services including skate rentals, sharpening, a snack bar and even will make arrangements for birthday parties.
Public skating is available at $4 general admission fee, with additional $4 skate rental fee . Open ice is offered on weekend evenings, Sunday afternoons and during the week. For a listing of current available public ice times it is important to call the site in advance at 413-787-6438. a Besides open ice time the facility also offers lessons at all levels of proficiency. Contact the arena for more information about joining other ice rink programs .The Cyr Skating Arena is managed for the City of Springfield by the Facility Management Corporation which oversees the operations of more than 20 rinks in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Amelia Park Ice Arena, Westfield. If you live in the Westfield area you may already know Amelia Park as a Roller Skating park that seasonally offers outdoor roller and in line skating, but Amelia Park also has public indoor ice skating that is available during the winter months. At Amelia Park you can enjoy public skating sessions, lessons and hockey action.
Amelia Park Ice Arena is relatively new on the skating scene. Opening in 2001 it didn’t take the owners long to extend their offerings to include family parities, birthday parties or any other type of social, on ice , get together families may wish to plan . For available ice time and prices call ahead to Amelia Park Ice Arena
at 413-568-2503.
When you want a change from the slopes or a less expensive way to exercise and enjoy some family togetherness you may want to explore your options at some of these facilities for the best ice skating in Western Massachusetts.
