Editorial: Warming to lasting ice rink

The Harcourts Outdoor Ice Rink has come to an end and what a hugely successful venture it has been.

In just a month, the rink at the Village Green near Rotorua's Lakefront has attracted about 20,000 visitors. That's huge when you consider each person has had to pay $20 to skate.

The spectacular weather during the school holidays no doubt contributed to a boost in numbers.

If you didn't at least give it a go, you were missing out.

I went along with a good friend on her birthday. She wanted to try it out and I was happy to oblige. We had a ball.

But it's not for everyone. You have got to have a reasonable sense of balance and be very careful.

Rotorua Hospital emergency department has seen its share of casualties as a result.

Up to 30 people have come a cropper with injuries ranging from broken arms to bruised knees and cut fingers. Someone also fell over and hit their head, resulting in a trip to the hospital for possible concussion.

With all the injuries aside, there were plenty more people who had a great time.

Even the police have given the venture their stamp of approval.

Despite the ice rink having the potential to become a late night hang out for undesirables, no such problems occurred.

Rotorua police said there were a few minor thefts as a result of people leaving their bags unattended but on the whole, behaviour was good and the atmosphere was family friendly.

Daily Post readers have expressed their wishes that Rotorua has a permanent ice rink - with one suggesting the side of Mt Ngongotaha is a good location.

I personally think the Village Green is perfect. It's worked already. It creates even more of a hive of activity in the area bringing more patronage to the nearby businesses.

If we can't have one permanently, roll on next winter when it's looking almost certain the ice rink will be back.

What do you think?

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.