The Narva City Government officially announced the opening of the temporary outdoor rink (uisuväljak), covering approximately 450 m². Located in the city center between the swimming pool and the "Geneva" club, the facility is equipped with 3-meter-high fencing and artificial surface technology. It is set to begin operations this coming weekend, provided temperatures remain consistently low.

According to the administration, skating will be free for everyone. The service is intentionally offered at no cost to encourage mass participation and social interaction among residents.

Mayor Katri Raik emphasized that the project is a pilot designed to assess urban logistics and the financial impact on the city (specific budget data had not been officially released at the time of reporting). Raik noted that the location was chosen to ensure effective order maintenance and to minimize disruption to the daily lives of citizens.

The site was prepared swiftly, with equipment and installation completed in record time, thanks largely to the steady frost and weather conditions suitable for long-term ice maintenance.

International Context Seasonal outdoor rinks are becoming increasingly common internationally. In Estonia, for example, the temporary rink on Tartu's Town Hall Square operates with the support of the municipality and private sponsors, combining free admission with paid services to help local authorities partially offset operating costs.

Future Outlook In Narva, the project is being treated as an experiment. If the public response is positive and operations prove sustainable, authorities plan to integrate the outdoor rink into the city’s regular winter calendar, with potential budget planning for future seasons.

Concurrently, discussions are ongoing regarding the fate of the old artificial rink near the Rakvere Sports Hall, which has remained idle for several seasons due to high maintenance costs. With the equipment’s service life set to expire next year, the city must soon decide whether to maintain or dismantle it.

Similar projects in neighboring countries have shown a 15–25% increase in foot traffic in city centers following the opening of free winter venues, boosting the local economy and social activity during the winter months.