Ice Skating Rink Coming to Downtown Lansing
With all of the Covid-19 news and politics, it’s nice to report on something that will create some positive excitement. Downtown Lansing is getting an ice skating rink in a partnership with the city of Lansing. The Plans are for a 3300 square foot synthetic skating rink expected to be open early February.
When it’s completed you will be able to head down to City Hall Plaza at Capitol Avenue and Michigan, across from the Capitol. This new installation will feature colorful lighting, with benches and heaters on the plaza by the rink. With people having to stay home much of the time these days, people in our community are seeking out safe things to do outside this year, and this will encourage more traffic for our downtown businesses.
From the safety aspect the Ingham County Health Department is good with the rink, as long as there are no crowds. It will be maintained and managed by the City of Lansing Parks and Recreation Department. There are plans for skate rental and concessions at the venue in sometime in the future.
WILX reports “The City of Lansing is proud to partner with the Community Foundation to install a skating rink with artificial ice right outside of City Hall in downtown Lansing,” said Mayor Schor. “We are continuing to find ways to offer safe, outdoor activities for Lansing residents to enjoy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage everyone to head downtown and check out the new ice rink when it’s open.”
The City of Lansing hopes this new addition will bring people to downtown Lansing every winter, and plans to tie in with the popular Silver Bells in the City festivities that happen every November. This new rink is portable which allows it to be moved anywhere in Lansing for our residents. They are seeking financial sponsors to help with operating costs, who will have ad boards around the rink. For information on sponsorship contact Laurie Baumer with the Community Foundation.
This will be a fun addition to downtown Lansing, and it’s an activity that’s outdoors and with social distancing is considered safe.