Kent is closing its free outdoor ice rink this year, citing costs

Kent Skates, the city’s outdoor ice rink, is no more.

Inflation and a tightening of partners’ and sponsors’ financial belts sounded the death knell for the rink, which opened in November of 2021, said Dana Lawless-Andric, Kent State University’s associate vice president of university outreach and engagement.

The rink cost $350,000 to $400,000 a year to operate. KSU contracted with Ice Rink Events to provide the rink, skates and zamboni, all of which the company will use at other sites, she said.

Lawless-Andric characterized the rink as the university’s effort to get people outside and socializing during the Covid-19 pandemic. To finance the venue, KSU created partnerships with the city, the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Kent.

Sponsors included AMETEK, Acorn at Kent, Daisy Pops, Destination Kent, Gold Zone Rentals, Hometown Bank and the Water Street Tavern.

“We’re hoping to get it back in the future, but there’s no guarantee,” Lawless-Andric said.

Use of the rink was free, including skate rentals. Now, would-be skaters will need to take advantage of KSU’s smaller indoor rink, paying for admission and rentals.

The cost is $12, with $2 off for senior citizens, veterans and active military personnel, as well as KSU students, faculty and staff. Children 5 and under must pay $8, and must be accompanied by an adult. Skate rental is included in the admission price.

Since KSU is a cashless campus, admission costs and concession purchases must be made with credit or debit cards. Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards are accepted.

November and December hours for public skating are posted on KSU’s website at https://www.kent.edu/recwell/public-skating.

Patrons who bring a canned or nonperishable food item to any of the November public skating sessions will get $1 off per item, with a maximum of $3 off.

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Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.