Skaters take a first spin at Assiniboine Park duck pond

A large section of the Riley Family Duck Pond at Assiniboine Park opened for skaters Thursday. One section of the popular skating area was blocked off due to thin ice.

• Assiniboine Park duck pond opens for skating on Thursday

One young skater, Tara Jackson, gave the rink a glowing first review.

"The ice is really big and it's really smooth so it's like awesome," she said.

"You can go really fast on it."

After skating Jackson said her family plans on trying out the toboggan run, which is also open for the season.

Ethan Gatchell, 8, tried out his brand new winter skates his Nana gave him for Christmas at the pond.

"I'm just using my new skates and now that I have them and they're a little bigger than my other ones so now it's easier for me to stop and I can go fast with them," he said.

Gatchell said he likes the size of the rink but noted the edges were on the bumpy side.

Another skater, Lynne Foley, was trying out new skates she got from Santa.

After a brief tumble, Foley remained determined to enjoy the winter day and continue skating.

"I have to get into shape so I can go on the river trail," she said.

At the pond's edge the Assiniboine Park family centre offers a cozy place to warm up and the Park Caf is open for breakfast and lunch. Both areas are open New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.