METHUEN — Norah and Abby MacDonald, both 9, were excited to go ice skating at the Methuen High School rink during the free skating event during their February break.
The pair brought along their friend, Amaya Richardson, 10, and they were all going to practice their tricks.
“I can go really fast,” Abby said. “I can go backward too.”
Abby showed off her abilities once she hit the rink and Norah practiced as she said she wants to be a figure skater one day. Amaya even showed off her jumps.
The three girls joined along with dozens of other children who came to chill on the ice during the Department of Park and Recreation’s event.
“It’s good to get them out,” said Dave MacDonald.
The public is able to skate at Methuen High School, at 1 Ranger Road, during February break on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The cost is $5 per person to skate between noon and 1:30 p.m. Skates are also available for rent for an additional $5.
“I really enjoy public skating just due to the fact that it’s an opportunity for generations and all ages to come together,” said Stephen Angelo, director of the recreation department in Methuen. “It’s a family event. It gets everyone together.”
There were many groups on the ice Wednesday. Dads were shuffling behind their wobbling children. Moms were holding on to the Ranger-blue skate assistants with their children, teaching them how to skate.
Some even coordinated their outfits. Abby matched her Tenney sweatshirt with her blue socks. One child even had a spike helmet to don while skating.
Ice skaters of all levels participated in the activities. Some were zooming on the ice. Others needed the blue supports but were slowly becoming more confident. Few were practicing tricks.
Michanel Guzman, 5, said she was just focused on balancing this year. She and her brother, Jariel, came to the free skate last year. Jariel, 10, said he used one of the blue support trainers last year but wouldn’t this time around.
“We just like to come and have fun,” he said.
Angelo said a lot of families may not know about the ice rink. He wants it to be known, especially when the event will be held again during the April school break.
“This allows us to showcase something that’s really important,” Angelo said. “It’s a great resource in our city.”
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