Lace up your skates, Milwaukee!
Ice skating returns to Red Arrow Park's Slice of Ice rink, 920 N. Water St. on Friday, Dec. 13!
That's nearly a month earlier than the rink opened last winter. The rink also has extended hours this season.
There will be free skate rentals for everyone on opening day, from 4 to 6 p.m.
“Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park is a beloved tradition that brings the community together in the heart of downtown Milwaukee during the holiday season," said Milwaukee County Parks Director, Guy Smith.
"Whether you’re skating for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, we’re proud to offer an inclusive and accessible space for all to enjoy winter recreation.”
Skating is free if you have your own skates. If you don't, skate rentals are $8 a pair for ages 17 and under, $11 a pair for adults, and $5 a pair for pre-scheduled school and nonprofit groups. Rentals will be available whenever the rink is open.
Skate sharpening will also be available for $7.
County Parks will also sell snacks, hot chocolate, coffee and bottled beverages when the rink is open.
Skate helpers will return this year for a $1 rental fee and $5 refundable deposit or photo ID, courtesy of the Milwaukee Admirals. ADA ice sleds for skaters with mobility impairments are free on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park is a cherished winter tradition in our community, and I invite all Milwaukee County families, children, residents, and visitors to come out and take part in this special ice-skating adventure,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
“Thank you to our Milwaukee County Parks staff for once again hosting this family-friendly activity in Downtown Milwaukee for folks to enjoy throughout the season.”
Slice of Ice will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
It will be open Dec. 24 from 11 to 6, Dec. 25 from 4 to 11, Dec. 26-31, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Jan. 1, 10-8.
“Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park is a shining example of how Milwaukee County Parks brings joy and vibrancy to our community," said Milwaukee County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman. "
This rink provides a welcoming space for families and friends to create lasting memories while enjoying our beautiful downtown during the holiday season. I encourage everyone to lace up their skates and take advantage of this incredible winter tradition, right here in the heart of our city.”
For more info on scheduling later in the season and organized group skates, visit SliceofIce.com.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
