MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Ice Rink is open to the public following today's opening for the winter skating season.

The rink's 2008-2009 skating season began today and will last until March, said Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Superintendent Mark Hickok.

"It is weather dependent," he said. "The rink opens (today) and will stay open until March. We will go as long as mother nature will let us."

The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a youth hockey clinic this weekend at the rink and participants may sign up at the rink, Hickok said.

"The clinic is open for any kids who want to try hockey before committing to the whole season," he said.

The clinic is separated into three age divisions.

Scheduled clinic times for children 8-years-old and under is 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. For children 9- to 12-years-old is from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Clinic time for children 13- to 18-years-old is between 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

Hickok said the rink gives community members an opportunity to go out in the winter.

"The great thing about this ice rink is that there is something to do in the winter," he said. "During the winter months it can get cold and lonely."