’Twas the day after Christmas, but it didn’t look or feel that way.
With a high of 61 degrees, the Akron area fell just short of the day’s record high of 63 in 1982. Monday’s high was more than double the historic average high of 30 degrees.
But the warmer-than-average weather didn’t stop families and friends from visiting Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron for the day. In fact, the cloudy-but-warm outlook inspired people to skate there. On Monday afternoon, dozens of people crowded the rink.
Among them was 8-year-old Levi Lile of Akron. His family took him skating for one of the first times, and he struggled to get the hang of it.
Guided by a bright red training walker and the advice of his uncle Jonny Lile, a former hockey player, Levi said his attempt was a success.
“Would you be doing as well without your Uncle Jonny’s help?” asked his mother, Christy Lile.
“No way!” he said.
While the warm weather made skating more comfortable for many — most visitors to the rink wore only sweatshirts and jeans — it also posed a difficulty because puddles formed as the ice melted. Falling on the ice on Monday meant soaking clothes as well as the usual sore joints.
Taylor Seikel, who visited the rink with her friend’s family, said the warm weather was welcome. She wore leggings and a sweatshirt, rather than a heavy winter coat.
“I wanted to go ice skating,” she said, “but I didn’t want to have to worry about being cold. So this is perfect.”
She said the melting ice made skating a little more slippery and therefore perilous, but it was a challenge she accepted.
Mike Suponcic of Green also welcomed the warm weather. Though he didn’t skate, he watched his three adult children on the ice from the viewing area.
“My kids aren’t sure if they’re skating or swimming,” he joked.
For Suponcic, the trip to the rink was a welcome getaway. He said his children — one who recently graduated college and two who are home from school for the holidays — wanted to do something outside and the warm weather made ice skating the perfect retreat.
But the warm weather won’t last.
According to weather reports, temperatures are expected to stick around freezing for the rest of the week. Forecasts predict some snow or rain Thursday through Saturday with highs reaching no greater than 41 degrees.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGluntABJ and on Facebook @JournoNickGlunt .