News - Gems in our midst - Gems in our midst

Gems in our midst By Sue Quist North Minneapolis holds some of the best kept secrets in the city. Little gems, waiting to be discovered for our enjoyment. One such place is the Webber Park skating pond. It rivals Lake of the Isles for pure aesthetic enjoyment. Even if you don’t skate, a walk around the pond promises to be a delightful experience. Good fortune has brought snow and cold sooner than usual, and the skating has begun almost two weeks earlier than past years. The warming house serves as a place to change into your skates, and as an impromptu neighborhood center. It is one of those public places where communities are made, just by getting together with your neighbors. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you can double your mission; get some exercise and stop into the library for a book on your way home. Don’t let the lack of skates keep you away. The park has a supply of skates in the warming house for people to use. In January there are two special events to take part in. The reopening of Webber Park Library on January 12 and Frosty Fun on January 18. In addition to the festivities celebrating the return of our library, you can skate, look for treasures in the park and warm yourself by the bonfire. The annual Frosty Fun, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., includes a bonfire, hay rides, crafts, snowshoeing, food, music, ice skating and hockey! The warming house is open every day, into February, depending on weather; M-F 4-8 p.m., Sat 10-8, and Sun. 11-7. Hours may vary during holiday breaks and no school days; call 370-4916.