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Ashland ice rink open, but with limited hours By Morgan Rothborne Nov 23, 2022 05:04 PM A A The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, located at 95 Winburn Way, across from the Lithia Park playground in Ashland, is open, but with limited hours. [Mail Tribune / file photo] Ashland’s treasured winter play area, the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, opened Monday — in time for Friday’s Festival of Light — but with limited hours. “We’re really excited to be open this weekend for the Festival of Light. Thanksgiving weekend is one of our biggest weekends,” said Rachel Dials, deputy director of Ashland Parks and Recreation. The rink will be open 4-9 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Monday for free skate. Normal hours of operation aren’t possible with the staff currently available, Dials explained. The ice rink opened for the season Monday after warm weather delayed the intended opening date of Nov. 19, compounded by hiring troubles. While the weather has turned in favor of ice, there is still a snag in hiring. Background checks seem to be taking longer than usual, even for the high school- and college-age employees waiting to be hired. Dials guessed Ashland’s switch to a new background check service may be the cause of the holdup, but no matter the source of the problem, until the background checks clear, no applicants can be brought on as employees. Dials said Parks and Recreation is hopeful the ice rink will soon be open for its regular hours.