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Ten years ago, . �鶹ӰԺ State Today is following up on that article, looking at the different ways the town-gown relationship is still flourishing. Read more about the background of the relationship here.

Sunday Feb. 26 is the last day of the 2022-2023 season for the �鶹ӰԺ Skates downtown ice rink, presented by . Since the rink opened for the season in November, it saw more than 12,800 skaters hit the ice – an increase of about 13% over last year’s attendance.

A true community partnership

"Without question, �鶹ӰԺ Skates would not be possible if not for our amazing sponsors and all of the behind-the-scenes folks from University Facilities Management that ensure the rink operates and is open each day,” said Dana Lawless-Andric, associate vice president of University Outreach and Engagement for �鶹ӰԺ. “This is a true example of what is possible when so many people come together focused on a community asset.”

This sentiment is shared by Michelle M. Hartman, interim executive director for the . “�鶹ӰԺ Skates has been a wonderful addition to our downtown, and the vision, leadership and shared commitment between �鶹ӰԺ State and the city of �鶹ӰԺ to make this happen is a true testament of celebrating community spirit,” she said.

A list of �鶹ӰԺ Skates partners and sponsors can be found here.

Benefiting business and families

The skating rink has had a positive impact on downtown �鶹ӰԺ’s diverse mix of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and local events – all just steps away from �鶹ӰԺ Skates. They’ve enjoyed increased foot traffic during the cold, winter months. “A vibrant and healthy downtown benefits everyone, and �鶹ӰԺ Skates has played an important – and fun – role in strengthening our local economy and sense of community,” Hartman said.

One of the members of the community, both a parent and business owner, is Amy Mucha. She’s the owner and chief pop artist of Daisy Pops, a �鶹ӰԺ-based online cake pop business that will open a shop downtown soon. Her business is one of the sponsors of �鶹ӰԺ Skates. “I cannot tell you how much our family LOVED it this winter," Mucha said. "And I saw so many of my non-�鶹ӰԺ friends coming into town to try it out as well. Thank you so much!”

Thawing out for spring

The last days to enjoy �鶹ӰԺ Skates this season will be Feb. 22-26. But Doug Pearson, associate vice president for �鶹ӰԺ State Facilities Planning and Operations, says everyone can look forward to �鶹ӰԺ Skates returning to downtown �鶹ӰԺ in November 2023.  

If you’d like to be a part of next year’s team of businesses and partners that make �鶹ӰԺ Skates possible, please contact Dana Lawless-Andric at dlawless@kent.edu for early-bird sponsorship opportunities.