Quiet Waters Park ice rink officially opens for skating

Yesterday marked the first time in years that Gaye Galvin didn't have to go to the Naval Academy to take her four children ice skating.

Ms. Galvin instead took them to Quiet Waters Park's ice skating rink, which reopened to much fanfare yesterday morning. She spent the day watching the kids from the sidelines, but promised to get out on the ice the next time.

"This is so exciting," Ms. Galvin said. "We couldn't wait to get here today. It was closed the majority of the time. This is awesome."

The rink first opened in 1991, but a series of mishaps closed it for many of the past 17 seasons. Some of those included faulty installation leaking coolants in the ground and, in 2003, the rink's system of mats leaking chemicals into a nearby pond, killing fish.

While it was shuttered, Friends of Quiet Waters Park raised about $25,000 for a new outdoor sound system and skate sharpening machine.

County Executive John R. Leopold threw his political weight behind the rebuilding of the rink, and the County Council approved the $2 million that included ripping out the original work done in 1990.

Now, the sound system and skate sharpener, along with a refurbished Zamboni, are being put to use. The rink will have a use all year - a skating rink in the winter months and a reflecting pool during the summer.

Mr. Leopold attended the grand opening ceremony yesterday morning that included ice skating demonstrations by students and professionals. Free skating was available until noon.

For the rest of this season, regular admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Children 3 and younger are admitted for free. On weekdays, the rink is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Tuesday, On weekends and holidays, it is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"A commitment was made years ago to provide this ice rink, and once a commitment is made I believe it is government's responsibility to keep that commitment," Mr. Leopold said. "By reconstructing the ice rink, it will now return Quiet Waters Park to its original design all year long. ... It'll once again be a year-round destination point."

Monique Washington of Upper Marlboro heard about the rink's reopening from some coworkers, so she came out with her children and friends. Ms. Washington said she used to skate all the time, but her children weren't used to it yet.

"We just got out, and everyone did good," Ms. Washington said. "Nobody's fallen yet, and we don't plan on it."

Yesterday also marked manager Cindy Fletcher Holden's debut on the Zamboni.

"We've had no complaints," said Ms. Holden, who worked as a coach on the rink before it closed five years ago. "The skates are brand new, right out of the box, so the only complaints we've had is that they're stiff."

Jennifer Jones and Ann Garner came to the rink, bringing five children between them. Ms. Jones, of Lothian, last went ice skating at the sculpture garden in Washington D.C., so she was pleased to have access to the closer rink.

"I love it," Ms. Garner said. "I don't know how it would be in 20-degree weather, though."