Go Skating!!

Winter chills didn't stop the huge crowd from ice skating on the Rink on the River on Sunday Afternoon in downtown Reno. The rink was packed with families, friends, and couples skating and spinning around the ice.

Peter Warburton is the supervisor and also a skating instructor at the Rink on the River.

“This year has had a very good turnout,” said Warburton, “We came out ahead of our budget this year.”

Warburton has worked at the Rink on the River since 1996 when he first began as a volunteer. Each winter he hires part time employees which are usually students. “I have kids now so I’m usually here only on the weekends,” said Warburton. “Most of our employees work 3-4 times a week.”

Last year’s harsh winter devastated ticket sales and created a lower turnout, but things have looked a lot brighter this year. Warburton says the crowds keep coming despite this season’s fluctuating weather.

The rink was crowded on Sunday but Warburton estimated only around 80 skaters. “Saturdays are the most popular days by far,” said Warburton. “There are usually about 150 people on the rink.”

Warburton and his employees spend the day selling tickets, renting ice skates, giving lessons and sharpening the skates.

“It’s hard work sharpening these skates” said Warburton as he wiped the dirt from his hands. “We have to constantly sharpen them, especially for the kids because they’ll be out on the ice for hours at a time.”

It wasn’t too cold this Sunday afternoon; the sun was out keeping the skaters a bit warmer than usual. Many arrived at the rink all wrapped up in winter attire but found themselves stripping off layers due to the unexpected sunshine.

According to Warburton, the rink was a very popular place to be on Christmas day, a nice touch for the holiday. Many kids have also held their birthday parties at the rink this year. Music plays over the loud speakers keeping skaters entertained and the Cal Neva has even provided a snack bar full of fresh food and hot chocolate.

One family in particular took the opportunity to spend their Sunday afternoon at the Rink on the River. Randy and Tammy Stephenson brought their daughter Drew, 8, along with their friends Ron Spector and his daughter Hannah, 8, to the rink.

The daddies and their daughter spun around in circles on the ice as Tammy sat sipping hot chocolate. They had been there since 10:30 am having private lessons from an employee. This was there second weekend at the rink. “It’s a great family activity,” said Tammy Stephenson. “Perfect for the winter.” The Rink on the River is located at City Plaza, at the corner of First and Virginia Streets in Downtown Reno near the Truckee River.