Skating hours extended during school break

When school lets out for winter break Monday, the Arlington Square Ice Rink will extend its hours, opening at 11 a.m. weekdays.

Joel Dunn, recreation manager for Carson City Parks and Recreation, said the increased hours should help offset any missed time because of last week's heavy snowfall.

The rink closed during the day for the Dec. 7 storm, but was open by 7 p.m.

"Unfortunately, it was so cold or people didn't know we were open, nobody came down to skate," Dunn said.

He said cold temperatures continued to deter skaters the early part of last week, but by Sunday "we were absolutely packed from opening until close."

Overall, he said, it's been a successful year so far.

"We've made terrific improvements to the site and the quality of the ice," he said. "We've got all new skates."

He said the public access and aesthetics of the area have also improved.

The holiday season will kick of this weekend with a visit from Archie, the Reno Aces mascot. He will be skating and available for pictures noon-3 p.m. both days.

Season passes to the Reno Aces baseball games also will be sold during that time.

"We're thrilled to have Archie coming to hang out with Carson City families," said Tammy Westergard, the deputy director of the Carson City Office of Business Development. "The Reno Aces are such good partners. People should come down and get their season passes and buy punch passes to the skating rink for stocking stuffers."

Bruno, the mascot for the Reno Bighorns basketball team, will join Archie at the rink Jan. 9 and 10.

The rink opened Nov. 26 and will close Jan. 16. For more information, go to downtowncarsoncity.com.