The Town of Bristol took the first steps to creating a public skating rink by constructing a rectangular shell in the center of Independence Park on Thames Street. On Wednesday, a crew from Westway Costruction, the town's on-call carpenter, built the framing for a 36’ x 54’ rink.

Four tall poles beside the rink will support strobe lights to illuminate the skating area, and on Friday the crew will come back to install the plastic liner that will hold the water, hopefully ice.

The rink is taking shape under the direction of Parks and Recreation Director Warren Rensehausen, who envisions an old school-style open skating rink — no hours, no charge, skate at your own risk. After filling it with water, all they'll need is a few days of cold weather.

The town is also accepting donations of used skates for those who do not have their own. Contact the recreation department at 401-253-1611.