Bailey Morrissey, 6, tries out the toboggan at the Griffith Central ice rink. Picture: Anthony Stipo
IT'S literally the coolest place to be this summer and its reception in Griffith has been anything but icy.
In fact, Griffith Central's ice skating rink has been consistently packed with kids of all ages honing their skills, with about 12,500 skaters sliding onto the ice since the rink opened this month.
Whether it be the novelty value or the chill factor, public interest in the frozen attraction has not waned and Griffith Central centre manager Cheryl Wood announced this week that the rink was here to stay until the end of February, which was a one-month extension on the original tenancy.
"It's been fantastic and all the feedback has been very positive," Mrs Wood said.
"Because it's been so hot, I really don't think there could have been a better time for it."
The centre's retailers are also in high spirits with figures on foot traffic for this January up 10 per cent on last year which Mrs Wood said was already a comparatively good year.
"It's just a good place for people to hang out," Mrs Wood said.
"I think because it's a novelty that people wouldn't normally get the opportunity to do, they've really embraced it while its there."
The rink has provided a haven for active children and teens especially during recent weeks when temperatures soared over 40 degrees and Griffith Connections project officer Marg Andreazza said it was important for them to have a productive outlet indoors.
"I took my kids and they really enjoyed it and I did notice a lot of high school kids there," Mrs Andreazza said.
"It's good because it gives them something to do and it provides them with a safe place to hang out."
Mrs Andreazza said many people spoke to her of fond memories about the Griffith roller rink - something local children no longer have access to.
"Aside from the cinema and bowling alley, there really isn't a lot for teens to do so I definitely think this is a good thing," she said.
"It's good for them to have a variety of options during the hot weather when you really can't expect your kids to go and run around outside."
However, both Mrs Andreazza and Mrs Wood were unsure whether Griffith's population would be able to sustain a full-time ice rink.
The rink's operators, Winter Magic, plan to run school sessions throughout February and will continue the popular Thursday and Friday night ice discos.
