According to members of the Wayne Township Recreation Committee, it’s been a fantastic season for ice skating at its rink in McElhattan.

This year, the rink was opened to the community Jan. 2 and was open through Valentine’s Day. According to information provided by the committee, neighbors, families and friends enjoyed time together gliding across the smooth, glassy surface.

Several handicap walkers were on hand for those venturing onto the ice for the first time. Within minutes, some skaters were comfortable enough to set aside the walker and take that ever-so-difficult first unassisted skate.

This year, the rink was popular with those enrolled in ice hockey or ice-skating lessons at Penn State. It provided a convenient practice area close to home.

Colt and Macy Calhoun, 10, visited from Texas and gave a thumbs up after spending time on the ice. PHOTOS PROVIDED

On the last Saturday in January, the committee held an ice-skating party. It was a bitterly cold day and those attending found shelter and comfort inside the visitors’ center, located at the complex, where pizza, popcorn, cookies and hot chocolate were available, compliments of Weis Markets.

“The opportunity to skate would not be possible if not for the support of the supervisors, township employees and volunteers. We would like to thank those in the community who donated skates and walkers so others could enjoy this outdoor activity,” the committee said in a statement.

PHOTO PROVIDED Walkers were available at the rink to help newcomers who wanted to try to get on the ice safely.