Winter destination: Glide into winter fun at Bellefonte’s ice rink at Talleyrand Park

PHOTO PROVIDED The Rink at Talleyrand is pictured on a cold winter’s eve.

PHOTO PROVIDED
A promotional image shows a skater alongside the logo for the skating rink.
BELLEFONTE — With frosty weather in the forecast, there’s no better time to discover one of Bellefonte’s most charming seasonal attractions — the Rink at Talleyrand.
Now open for the season, the Rink at Talleyrand offers a picturesque venue for skaters of all ages and abilities to glide across the ice, free of cost.
“This has been by far the best winter season we’ve been operational. With the cold snap that has come through, the rink has maintained its ice consistency and we’ve seen many people enjoying the rink, nearly every day,” said Mark Dello Stritto, owner of local advertising agency Blink Advertising.
Dello Stritto, who originally conceptualized the public ice skating rink, first envisioned the project in 2015. The rink gained traction in 2021 when he began discussing the idea with Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Cafe’s previous owner, Dave Letterman. After researching to find an affordable and worthwhile option, the pair approached other business owners to sponsor the purchase of the rink for donation to the borough.
“Between the borough, non profit organizations and local businesses, it’s yet another attraction to pull people into Bellefonte — especially as a winter destination to help spur visitation and commerce during the winter months,” said Dello Stritto.
He added that social media comments and shares have provided tons of positive feedback and exhibited lots of excitement.
To keep the rink open for the community as long as possible, organizers encourage skaters to be mindful of its conditions and signage. To ensure a successful season and give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the ice, Bellefonte.com has shared a series of rules and reminders for skaters:
— Skate at your own risk. The ice isn’t entirely smooth like an indoor rink as there is no Zamboni.
— Bring your own skates. There are no rentals at this time and shoes are prohibited on the ice unless it’s to accompany a child.
— Children under 12 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
— Avoid the sides of the rink to ensure the rink’s liner is not damaged by skates. If the liner is damaged, the rink will have to close early for the season.
— No food or drink is permitted in the rink.
— If there is snow on top of the ice, please do not skate. Volunteers, which they are always recruiting, will work as fast as they can to remove the snow.
— Rubber mats line the walkway from the park promenade. Consider bringing a folding chair or camp chair to sit on while lacing up your skates.
— When you see the “Temporarily Closed” sign up, please do not get on the ice. This prevents damage to the rink.
— Use your best judgment when you arrive. Even if the closed sign is not posted, check the ice for snow, slush or puddles.
— Use the hashtag #LoveBFT when you share your photos!
“The goal for the rink is to serve the community and we must all work together to make sure it can be open for us as often and as long as possible,” the sponsors wrote online.
The organizers extended special thanks to the sponsors who contributed financially or provided services to bring the Rink at Talleyrand to life. These sponsors include Blink Advertising, Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Cafe, Bellefonte.com, Big Spring Spirits, Centre Dental Care, The Gamble Mill, Gavek Graphics, Helen Foxx & Co., Schuster Landscaping and the following Bellefonte Bed & Breakfasts: Bellefonte B&B, The Craftsman on Linn, Our Fair Lady, The Queen, Reynolds Mansion and Riffles & Runs.
They also thanked the numerous volunteers and Bellefonte Borough, which sets up, tears down and stores the rink each year. They handle everything from installing the boards and liner to filing the rink.
“We love having the ice rink as a free wintertime activity,” added Borough Manager Ralph Stewart.
You never know when Mother Nature might change her plans, so lace up your skates and enjoy the rink while you can! Happy skating!