SHERWOOD, Ore. — Things are finally looking up for the Sherwood Ice Arena after being forced to close last December right before Christmas because of COVID-19. The new owners had no idea when, if ever, they would be able to reopen. The rink reopened last month as businesses in Washington County's COVID-19 risk level went from high to moderate, allowing more businesses to open their doors.
For Alyssa De Turk, the arena has been a place where she grew up. Her grandparents and another family built the arena more than 20 years ago. Her family sold the arena last year, just two months before the pandemic began.
The shutdown put the new owners on thin ice, and they almost had to close for good. De Turk said if they had to stay closed for another month, they most likely would have been forced to close.
“It was such a relief when we were able to get revenue back,” said De Turk.
With money coming in again, that means familiar faces are back too. De Turk said they are now open for open skate, which means for anyone who wants to come in and skate. They’re also open for figure skating. The arena isn’t allowing hockey yet because it’s considered a full-contact sport.
You can’t just walk in, though. You have to pre-register online before you hit the ice. There can only be 25 skaters at one time and masks are required for people on the ice and in the stands.
De Turk is thankful to be able to see skaters once again and really appreciates those who helped carry the business this past year.