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Amelia Park Arena announces free public skates

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 7:09 GMT by MassLive
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Amelia Park Arena Opens Its Doors for Free Public Skating – A Community‑Wide Ice‑Ice Adventure

Amelia Park Arena, the city’s beloved ice‑rink hub on Westfield Road, has announced a fresh wave of free public skating sessions that will light up the community’s weekends this fall. After a brief pause for renovations and safety upgrades, the arena’s management is rolling out a “Skate for All” program that will welcome families, seniors, and newcomers alike to glide, spin, and simply enjoy a day on the ice without spending a dime.

What the Announcement Means

The press release, posted on the arena’s website and shared across Westfield’s local news outlets—including a detailed write‑up on MassLive—outlined the program’s schedule, safety guidelines, and the underlying motivation: to rekindle a sense of community and physical wellness after months of limited public access. “We’re excited to give back to the community that has supported us through thick and thin,” said Sarah Johnson, director of operations at Amelia Park Arena. “Free public skating is a no‑frills way for everyone to get out on the ice and enjoy the season.”

Key points from the release include:

• Schedule – Free sessions run every Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. through the end of September. Each session will host a 45‑minute “Intro to Ice” class for beginners, followed by open skating time.
• Location – The main rink (Rink A) will be open to the public. Rink B, used primarily for league play, will remain closed to maintain focus on the free sessions.
• No Admission Fees – While skating is free, the arena encourages voluntary donations to support its upcoming community outreach projects.
• Skate Rentals – For those without skates, the arena offers a rental service on the ice for a modest fee, with the option to bring in your own pair for discounted use of the facility.
• Safety Measures – All skaters are encouraged to wear helmets for children under 12. Mask usage is optional following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, but the arena will continue to enforce hand‑sanitizer stations and social‑distancing guidelines during peak hours.

The arena’s official Facebook page, updated in real time, will share daily schedules and any last‑minute changes. An online calendar, hosted by the city’s parks and recreation department, also lists the sessions and includes a simple “Reserve a Spot” link for those who want to guarantee a spot in the Intro classes.

A History of Ice in Westfield

Amelia Park Arena first opened its doors in 1993, offering a place for the town’s high‑school hockey teams, local figure skaters, and seasonal public skating enthusiasts. Over the decades, the rink has undergone several upgrades—including a new LED lighting system and improved refrigeration to keep the ice consistently smooth. The recent renovation, completed in early July, focused on expanding the locker room facilities and installing a state‑of‑the‑art safety barrier around the rink’s perimeter.

“We’ve seen the arena evolve from a niche venue to the community’s heart for winter sports,” said Mayor Thomas Kelley. “It’s a fantastic investment that will keep Westfield’s residents active and connected.”

The free skating initiative is part of a larger “Community Wellness” partnership between Amelia Park Arena and the Westfield Health Department. The two organizations have pledged to introduce wellness programs, such as guided ice‑skating fitness classes and nutrition workshops, over the next year. The arena’s website lists upcoming events, including a “Senior Skating Night” on Friday evenings and a “Family Ice‑Day” on the first Sunday of every month.

Voices from the Rink

The announcement resonated strongly with local families. Linda Ramirez, a mother of two from Westfield’s Eastside, expressed her excitement: “We’ve always loved watching the kids on the ice, but with the high ticket costs, we rarely got to go. Free skating is a wonderful chance for the entire family to enjoy the rink together.” She added that she plans to bring her niece, who is learning to balance on skates, to one of the upcoming free sessions.

The arena’s coaching staff also saw the free program as a way to scout new talent. “We’ll have volunteers on hand to guide beginners and spot potential for the local youth leagues,” explained Coach Mike Sullivan. “It’s a chance to catch the next great Westfield hockey player before they even sign up.”

Local businesses have not gone unnoticed. The arena’s press release includes a special thanks to the Westfield Chamber of Commerce for providing sponsorship for the free skating program. “Community partners like Amelia Park Arena are integral to our city’s vitality,” noted Chamber President Gina Patel. “We’re proud to support initiatives that bring families together.”

How to Get Involved

Interested skaters can find more details on the arena’s website, where a downloadable PDF lists the free session calendar and FAQs. The “Reserve a Spot” button on the calendar allows visitors to book a slot in the Intro classes, which have limited capacity to ensure a safe and personalized learning experience.

For those who prefer to stay within the safety guidelines, the arena’s website lists a list of recommended safety equipment, including helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards. All of these are available for rent on the ice, with a 10% discount for residents who bring in their own protective gear.

Looking Ahead

While the free skating sessions are set to run until the end of September, Amelia Park Arena’s management has hinted at plans to expand the program. “We’re evaluating community feedback and looking at extending the free sessions into the winter months, perhaps adding seasonal themed nights or charity skating events,” Johnson said.

The city’s parks department, through its website, has also announced a “Winter Sports Initiative” that will coordinate community skating, cross‑country skiing, and other outdoor activities. The initiative’s goal is to increase physical activity participation rates across Westfield and to highlight local venues that serve as gathering places for residents.

In a Town Where Community Matters, Amelia Park Arena’s Free Skating Sessions Are a Win‑Win

With free skating already drawing the interest of dozens of families, Amelia Park Arena is poised to become an even more integral part of Westfield’s social fabric. The combination of open access, safety measures, and community partnership offers a model that other cities might follow.

Whether you’re a seasoned ice‑skater, a curious beginner, or simply looking for a fun weekend outing, Amelia Park Arena’s free sessions provide an opportunity to step onto the ice and experience the joy of skating without any financial barrier. All you need is an adventurous spirit—and a pair of skates (or a willingness to rent them). The arena’s doors—and the ice—are open.