The Ice Rink Go-eth

The Walnut Creek on Ice rink has closed, but not before more than 40,000 people came through the gates.

The rink opened on Nov. 15 and closed this past Sunday. On Tuesday, there were ladders, brooms and melting ice around the rink that was packed on most afternoons and evenings the past eight weeks.

Emery Lykins, president of Specialice, said his company is estimating between 40,000 and 45,000 used the ice rink this holiday season.

That would be slightly more than the 40,000 who laced up skates last year.

Lykins said the busiest single day was the Children's Winter Festival on Nov. 16. More than 2,000 people visited the rink that day.

He added the week between Christmas and New Year's Day was also busy.

Lykins said the unseasonably warm weather and lack of rain helped boost attendance this year.

"It was a combination of people wanting to shop in downtown Walnut Creek, kids being out of school and warm weather," said Lykins.

His company plans to be back this coming winter for another season of ice skating.