Just in time for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Delaware County’s latest and much-anticipated fun spot has opened: Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink.
Skaters lost no time gliding on the ice at the new 60-by-100 foot ice skating rink in Edgemont, sipping hot cocoa, or relaxing by a fire pit. A ribbon-cutting Thursday with speeches from dignitaries marked the opening of the new rink, operated by Flight on Ice.
Steve Byrne, executive director of Visit Delco PA told the Delaware Valley Journal that they had been discussing the idea of an ice rink for the county for six years and are thrilled it’s finally happened. Construction workers spent many hours transforming the empty parking lot on West Chester Pike into a winter wonderland for Delaware County residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The goal is to be a three or four months attraction,” Byrne said. He hopes skaters can enjoy the rink into March “as long as the weather holds up.”
(Left To Right): Paul de Botton,National Reality Corporation; Ron Gravina, chairman, Edgmont Township Board of Supervisors; Rep. Chris Quinn; Claude de Botton, National Reality Corporation; Joe McGinn, Energy Transfer; Steve Byrne, Visit Delco, PA; Colby Cohen, Flight Entertainment; Mike de Botton, National Reality Corporation; Sen. John Kane; Sen. Tim Kearney; Chief Joe Daly, president, Delaware County Veterans Memorial; Jon Schaffer, Flight Entertainment
“There’s something for all ages. Families, college kids coming home, they can hang out at the fire put and have fun,” said Byrne. “It’s something different. I overheard somebody saying, ‘This is what Delco needed.'”
Former National Hockey League player and Radnor native Colby Cohen led the ribbon cutting.
“Just about every day of my childhood I passed by this piece of land. To be able to bring an outdoor rink to Delaware County is truly incredible,” Cohen said. “This is a very special night and I’m glad to share it with a community that shaped me into the person I am today.”
The former defenseman played for the Colorado Avalanche and in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, the minor league affiliate of the Boston Bruins. Cohen currently works as a studio analyst for Chicago Blackhawks games on NBC Sports Chicago.
State Rep. Chris Quinn (R-Media) came out to lend his support, along with state Senators John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware), and Tim Kearney (D-Chester/Delaware).
“One of the best parts about being a state representative is to see your community come together at a great attraction like an outdoor ice rink,” Quinn said. “This is where family memories are created.”
This family-friendly attraction also includes ice skating sessions, a lounge area, a 2,000-sqaure-foot heated tent, and various food and beverage options.
Jon Schaffer, owner and president of Flight Entertainment has been aspiring to open a Flight on Ice location in Delaware County for quite some time. There are currently Flight Entertainment locations in Egg Harbor City and Long Branch, New Jersey, as well as Albany, N.Y.
“Our company is based in Delco, I’m from Delco, and it’s our backyard,” Schaffer told Main Line Today. “I couldn’t picture doing any more of these (Flight on Ice rinks) without doing one in Delaware County.”
One of Schaffer’s goals is to raise proceeds for the Veterans Memorial Charitable Foundation through different events and fundraisers. This includes every Monday being a day for veterans to contribute to the charity.
Paul de Botton, and the de Botton family, who own the land where the rink is located, also donated the site of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial
The rink will stay open throughout the winter, possibly into March if the weather permits. It’s open from Monday through Friday will be 3-10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
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