DVIDS – News – Fort Drum FMWR ice rink proving to be a hot spot for winter recreation

FORT DRUM, NY (February 9, 2021) – As the COVID-19 outbreak began to interrupt normal activities in 2020, spending more time outdoors and exploring many ways to stay active in outdoor environments – ahem – went viral.

Fort Drum’s community ice rink opened last January with the aim of expanding outdoor recreational opportunities in the post. And it did – but it didn’t become the star attraction, as expected to have more free days than operational days due to the stagnant weather of winter.

So far, 2021 has seen the kind of Nordic winter weather making the ice rink a hot spot for outdoor recreation. Since the track opened on January 25, the first 10 days have seen more activity than any of the last season.

Better than ever for those who haven’t visited yet.

“With the help of the Directorate of Public Works and Emergency Services, we have been able to make some positive changes to the ice rink this year,” said Rebecca Morgia, head of the Fort Drum Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Community Recreation Division. “The floor has been raised and leveled, improved safety side rails have been added, and a walking ramp has been added for accessibility.”

Located near Lloyd’s Landing Lodge in Remington Park, the track has tripled since last year and features an outdoor viewing area with warming stations.

“With the current COVID situation affecting most of our major special events, excursions and sporting events, we wanted to find a safe activity for our military community to enjoy at social distances, so we expanded the track,” Morgia said. “It also allows us to offer more functionality, such as the ‘Be My Sweetheart’ skating event this Friday.”

The Valentine’s Day themed special is scheduled from February 12th, 7pm to 10pm, and is open to all DoD ID card holders of all ages. Skates are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Participants can also enjoy a free hot dog with a pack of chips and hot drink. The sponsor of the event is the Gary Sinise Foundation.

About 800 skaters enjoyed the rink during the first two weeks of the operation, Morgia said. He said that if the weather cooperation continues, his hope is to keep the skating open for another month.

“Weather always plays an important role in such initiatives,” he said. “We rely on bitter cold to help build the ice, but so far the weather has been nice.”

Keeping the skating rink operational, Morgia said, required the tireless efforts of a maintenance team.

“The behind-the-scenes activities of building, maintaining and operating an ice rink is a sizable operation,” he said. “Most mornings, while most of us are just waking up, the staff is on site for an hour or two preparing ice for the day.

Recently, the garrison command team stopped at the skating rink to thank some of the people who supported the ice rink operations and offer them the challenge money.

“Your work really makes an impact on the installation,” said Eric Wagenaar, deputy commander of the garrison. “No doubt, it’s a tough job and we appreciate what you’ve done. It warms my heart every time I come here and see a little boy with a hockey puck around and the father and families driving the kids out of the house.”

The skating rink is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 to 20:00 as long as the weather permits; Friday 11:00 – 22:00; Saturday 9:00 – 22:00; and Sunday 9:00 – 20:00.

For those who prefer flat shoes for outdoor recreation, FMWR will hold a Snowshoe Walk from 8 am to noon on February 13. Call (315) 772-8222 for details.

Fort Drum Sports, Fitness and Water Sports staff will organize the first Snowshoe Run at Remington Park, free of charge and open to all DoD ID card holders, from 09:00 to 20 February. Participants must register at the Magrath Sports Complex by February 16. Snow shoes can be rented at Outdoor Recreation. Call (315) 772-6663 for details.

To stay up to date on FWMR events and activities, visit www.drum.armymwr.com and follow www.facebook.com/DrumFMWR/.