Balmy temps warm Dilworth Park ice rink

Sophia Katz, 10, was one of the first skaters on the ice Friday when the Rothman Institute Ice Rink opened at Dilworth Park. With the sun shining and the temperature hovering around 60 degrees on the west side of City Hall, Katz worried the weather could affect the ice.

"It was really warm," said Katz, a member of Philadelphia Symmetry, the synchronized skating team that began the opening celebration. "I felt like the ice was going to melt."

A heated cabin, constructed next to the rink to provide warmth, food, and drink, didn't see much use on its first afternoon. Visitors gathered outside to watch Symmetry, members of the Phillies Ball Girls, the Flyers Skate Girls, and others on the ice.

Former Flyer Danny Briere, who greeted fans near the entrance to the rink, saw the irony in a winter activity beginning on a spring-like day. He grew up skating outdoors in the frigid cold of western Quebec.

"It's amazing to see ice in this type of weather," he said. "It's really cool."

The rink, a feature at Dilworth Park for a second season, will remain open to the public until late February. Skaters, regardless of ability, filled the rink its first day.

Edward Borjon, a 21-year-old Temple University student, was not dissuaded by lack of experience. He jumped on the ice shortly after his friend Alex Leong became the first skater of the season.

"I really don't know how to skate," Borjon said. "I figured, this is a good opportunity to learn."

The rink will hold a four-week learn-to-skate program on Sundays at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.

For Sara Will, 19, of Hershey, Pa., skating is an important part of life. Will said her dream of becoming a collegiate figure skater was ruined when she fractured her back, but she still loves skating. Will, who usually skates indoors, relished the chance to take the ice next to City Hall on a beautiful day.

"This is actually warmer than an indoor rink," she said with a smile.

JTomczuk@phillynews.com @Jack Tomczuk