Downtown Kent’s free outdoor ice rink has closed for good, leaving a hole downtown this winter season for locals and college students.
Out with the old, in with the new
After opening in November 2021 as a way for students to socialize during the pandemic, the rink’s sponsors were no longer able to keep it going, causing its closing in 2023.
“Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring Kent Skates back currently due to financial constraints,” said Dana Lawless-Andric, senior associate vice president of university outreach and engagement at Kent State. “This was a partnership between several entities, and all are unable to commit the resources at this time.”
The cost to operate was $350,000 to $400,000 per year, according to The Portager. There were partnerships between the city, the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Kent and businesses including AMETEK, Acorn at Kent, Daisy Pops, Destination Kent, Gold Zone Rentals, Hometown Bank and the Water Street Tavern.
There may not be an outdoor rink anymore, but Lawless-Andric said Main Street Kent, the city and Kent State are partnering on a new event that was launched last year called Snow Day, planned for late January. It will include live music, outdoor fire pits, free s’mores and business activities and specials around downtown.
Winter activity alternatives on campus
On campus, FAB will host their annual “WinterBlast.” Last year, it included ice skating at the on-campus ice arena, carriage rides and stuffing plushies. Students also received a free winter-themed sweatshirt designed by a student.
Paris Bourn, a senior fashion design major, said she looks forward to this event and particularly appreciates the student design aspect.
“Their designs are cool, and I get free stuff,” Bourn said. “I think it’s a good way to vibe with your friends and chill, and even being in the line is actually a cool little bonding moment before you get in the ice rink.”
Hillel is also hosting “Winterfest” Nov. 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hillel Cohn Jewish Student Center. Everyone is welcome.
Holiday activities in Downtown Kent
Main Street Kent is hosting multiple holiday events this year, including a “Small Business Saturday Holiday Kick-Off” on Nov. 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., where downtown businesses will have holiday raffles and specials.
This event will also mark the start of a “Elf Hits Downtown” event in which elf dolls are hidden in Kent businesses. Participants are encouraged to find as many elves as possible until Dec. 31, when they can enter their answers online for a chance to win a gift card.
The City of Kent is hosting “Festival of Lights” on Dec. 7 at 5:00 p.m. at 142 N. Water St.
Main Street also has a “Cookie Walk” on Dec. 8 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. that will send guests on a tour of downtown Kent while they collect holiday cookies at each stop.
To still have a holiday skating excursion, the Kent State Ice Arena offers public skating for $10 for students throughout the month, and “College Skate Nights” for $5 on most Wednesdays.
Lauren Cohen is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
