REXBURG— Some people are finding cool ways to spend more time outdoors as temperatures decline.
Rink 99 is an outdoor ice-skating rink at Veterans Park in Sugar City. The rink opened last year and is due to reopen for its second season this fall.
Co-founder Matt Pyles said the rink’s opening date for this season will likely be in late October or early November.
He said the temperature needs to be under 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the rink to operate safely, because the chiller underneath the ice cannot freeze the water if it is warmer outside.
Once open, Pyles said Rink 99 will be an option for family home evening activities, date nights, recreation and more.
He said his favorite part about Rink 99 is the opportunity to play hockey with others. He said he has been on ice skates since he was five years old, inspiring him to start the business.
“I’ve been on rollerblades or roller skates or ice skates since I was five years old. It’s one of my earliest memories,” Pyles said..
The rink offers “drop-in” hockey on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10 p.m. for $5 and provides pads, sticks and pucks for all who come.
For those who do not have experience on ice, Pyles said there are ways for them to learn.
“People are really friendly and try to help other people learn how to skate, but you can hold onto the side of the boards. And then we also have training aids that you kind of lean on to help you be able to skate,” Pyles said.
He also recommends learners bend their knees and lean forward while skating to reduce risk of injury in the case of a fall.
The rink offers discounts if you arrive early, like their “Early Penguin” deal of $6 if you arrive before 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
To see a full list of pricing and to learn more about Rink 99, visit their website here.