PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Winterfest, the ice skating rink on Penn's Landing, has opened for the holiday season.
Dave Moore, director of parks and attractions for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, said they had to take precautions in order to open this year.
"It looks a lot different this year," he remarked, noting capacity is limited compared to previous years in order to keep social distancing guidelines.
"We staggered our ice skating tickets so that we don't form any lines," he shared. "We have monitors on the ice that are enforcing that, and the timelines to get on and off the ice. We have monitors at the entrances and exits."
The dining and the ice skating attractions are also separated this year.
"One thing that's different this year, we took two sides off of our lodge to make it open air and outdoors," Moore explained.
Vinny Occhino and Inga Khaitman of Center City said they didn't feel crowded coming out to Winterfest.
"For me, it's fine," commented Khaitman.
"If it stays like this, I'm comfortable," added Occhino. "But double this, then I might not stay."
Lisa Drusedum, from West Chester, said she ventures out to Winterfest every year.
"(It's) definitely different with the COVID guidelines," she observed. "Otherwise, it's similar to last year."
Asked whether she's worried about COVID-19 transmission there, she responded, "I'd say so, but having stuff like this outdoors and having everyone wear their masks is helpful."
Moore told KYW Newsradio everyone has to assess their own level of risk as to whether or not they want to come, but he stressed they are abiding by city guidelines.
"We have a limited outdoor capacity out here for the outdoor dining and then one for the rink and then for the overall site, and it's based off the city guidelines of ten people per 1,000 square feet outside," he said. "As long as everybody follows the rules, wears their masks, washes their hands, keeps 6 feet apart, I think we'll have a nice season."
Winterfest runs through March 7.