Madison Kwiecinski – Editor-in-Chief

Mvk5945@psu.edu

Are you looking for a new and interesting winter activity? Do you enjoy creative festive experiences around the holidays?  This winter, a pop-up ice skating rink has been set up in Erie’s Perry Square so locals and visitors alike can enjoy a unique winter experience. 

The ice skating rink is made out of a synthetic material, making it suitable to skate on no matter what the weather or temperature is like outside. The synthetic ice that comprises the rink is said to feel and skate like real ice, though it is made of a different material that allows it to be skated on regardless of the weather, as it will not ever melt. 

The unique material requires skaters to have sharp blades to skate on it, which is why renting skates at the rink is a good option for skaters. The material that comprises the ice is sometimes referred to as “glice.” 

The rink is around 30 ft. by 50 ft. in size, and is capable of comfortably accommodating 25-30 skaters at a time. According to their website, the maximum capacity that will be allowed on the rink at once is 32 skaters. It appears that the number of skaters who go onto the rink, as long as it remains below 32, will be at the discretion of the rink attendees so they can provide the best experience and keep groups together. 

The attraction opened the weekend after Thanksgiving and will remain open until the last weekend in February, meaning it will last through almost the entire winter season. The rink is open on Weekdays from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. as well as Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The rink also still reserves to alter operation hours due to weather and extreme temperatures. 

Also, there is no time limit listed anywhere that states how long you can skate for. My best guess, for those planning to attend, would be that as long as there is no line skater can be on the rink as long as they would like. However, if there is a long wait they will want to keep people moving and therefore will limit skate time. In order to maximize the amount of time you spend skating it would probably be best to avoid busy nights in Perry Square. 

Due to the synthetic nature of the rink, skates are for rent on-site and it is strongly encouraged to use the skates they provide. If you prefer to bring your own skates, they will likely need to be sharpened on site which is a service they provide. The fee for both rental and admission cost is $5. 

The rink has several sponsors, and was brought to Perry Square by the Erie Downtown Partnership. 

According to Dave Tamulonis, the Erie Downtown Partnership Marketing Manager, “Not only do we build up lights in Perry Square for the holiday season, but we wanted to build in some activities to do. Something for the whole family.” 

Skating on the ice is permitted on a first come first serve basis, so be cautious of exceptionally busy nights. Skating time on the rink can and likely will be shortened to accommodate large crowds. 

Everyone wishing to skate must be at least four years of age and sign a waiver prior to going onto the rink. All skates worn must be sharp, and everyone must pay the $5 entrance fee. 

This new Erie attraction seems like a must try for Erie locals this winter, bringing some entertainment into enjoying the winter spirit. Hopefully, the new ice skating rink will become an Erie tradition, recurring each winter for residents to enjoy.