The thought of winter in New England often evokes images of yesteryear, with folks bundled up to ice skate on a frozen outdoor pond, then perhaps warming up by a small fire nearby with a mug of hot chocolate between their mittened hands. A slice of that nostalgia will soon be available at the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza & Outdoor Ice Rink, right in the heart of historic Apponaug Village!
After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, next month the community will celebrate the opening of the plaza, which was funded by ARPA and federal grant monies secured by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse.
The plaza is an attractive, welcoming, community gathering space with beautiful landscaping, seating, ornamental fencing, bike racks, and fire pits – the latter meant to evoke that feeling of yesteryear that we mentioned. And with green spaces and a paved walkway, the plaza, tucked right behind historic City Hall, is also reminiscent of town squares of old.
Ice skating will take center stage in the winter months, and here’s no need to run out and buy skates or to pack them in your suitcase for your visit here! Skates are available for rent for a modest fee. There’s also a locker area where you can store your belongings while you skate, bleachers for those who are content to watch their family and friends on the ice, and food trucks offering refreshments when you get hungry or are craving a warm drink.
And, there’s no end to the fun that will be found when the weather warms – especially with a permanent shelter covering the 120 x 60 foot space from the elements - including outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, food truck events, movie nights, art shows, roller disco, pickleball, and much more.
We’re certainly looking forward to the first season of ice skating at the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza! A special day for skating will be on December 6, when the Third Annual Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival will be held throughout the village from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. We think seeing people skating on that day will only add to the old-fashioned, community holiday spirit that the Winterfest seems to bring out in everyone! Mark your calendars and stop by. And, with affordable lodging options, great restaurants, and our central location in the heart of Southern New England, why not plan a mini-weekend getaway and explore the holiday season in the Ocean State?
We can’t wait to see the plaza become a gathering space for Warwick residents of all ages, and, more broadly, for those across Rhode Island and southern New England, enhancing the quality of life for residents, offering another great recreational and events space for visitors, and serving as a boon for local businesses. We hope to see you soon!