By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
SALAMANCA — The City of Salamanca’s Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond held its grand re-opening Friday.
A community skate was held from 4-6 p.m. at the new synthetic ice rink at 137 Fawn Ave. As usual, shaking and ice skate rentals are free.
A second area of real ice was partially open Friday for those who wanted the feel off real ice when they slipped and fell. Others practiced hockey shots on the real ice — much of which remains covered in snow.
Stationed nearby was the Salamanca City Central School District’s Warrior Food Wagon. Light refreshments were also available.
Dozens of kids and parents came during the two-hour skate to lace up their skates to kick off the season. Many of the parents skated here as youths, and some probably learned to skate from Bill Flanigan.
A ribbon cutting was held that included city, Seneca Nation and school district officials
The ice skating pond was established in 1924. A young Bill Flanigan, who became a well-known speed-skater, first strapped on a pair of skates here in the early 1930s.
This coming week and weekend during the school winter break, the ice pond will be open from 1-9 p.m.
When school is in session, skating is offered from 3-9 p.m. weekdays and 1-9 p.m. on weekends.
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