‘Tis the season to find your winter wonderland at the RiverScape Ice Rink

Open skating and beginners’ lessons are available for all ages at the Riverscape ice rink. CONTRIBUTED

Open skating and beginners’ lessons are available for all ages at the Riverscape ice rink. CONTRIBUTED
What to Do
By Ashley Moor
Nov 6, 2019
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The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink officially opens on Black Friday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m., for season-long, family-friendly fun on the banks of the scenic Great Miami River in downtown Dayton.

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For nearly a decade, the MetroParks Ice Rink has been a mainstay in the Dayton community, bringing holiday cheer to all. With festive lights overhead and a steamy cup of hot cocoa within reach, a night on the ice at the MetroParks Ice Rink can be a picture-perfect way to ring in the joy of the season.

“We are helping families establish traditions,” said Meredith Adamisin, Five Rivers MetroParks RiverScape manager. “We love being a consistent anchor of the downtown holiday festivities.”

The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by Huffy and will be open through March 1, including special holiday hours during Christmas, New Year's and more. Visit the MetroParks' website for a complete schedule.

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COST

Daily admission to the MetroParks Ice Rink under the pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., is $6 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $2.

Season passes are available at a 20 percent discounted, pre-season cost.

A season pass for the whole family will come out to $72 and covers season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people. Individual passes, at $24, cover the same costs for one person. Season pass-holders will also enjoy 25 percent off all products at the RiverScape Café. Gift certificates are also available for purchase on location.

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Anita (left) and Alyssa Blackman, 2 of Panama City, Florida at the new and improved outdoor ice rink at RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton, Saturday, November 27, 2010. Beacuse it's under cover of the pavilion, the skating season will be extended to March 13, 2011.

Credit: Peter Wine

icon to expand image

Credit: Peter Wine

REFRESHMENTS

While at RiverScape MetroPark, visitors can warm up by the fire and grab snacks, hot chocolate and more at the adjacent snack bar which will be open during rink hours.

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LESSONS

Though you might assume that skating lessons are for those with a bit more agility, the MetroParks lesson program is designed for the young at heart as well as for the young. 
“Skating lessons for all ages are beneficial,” said Katie Heine, professional figure skating coach. “Learning how to ice skate helps to build strength, develop confidence and teaches perseverance that kids and adults will carry with them on and off the ice.” 
For parents, a first-time lesson or refresher course can be particularly helpful when their little skaters are hanging on to them for support. 
“It helps parents build confidence and really enjoy the experience,” Heine said. 
There are lesson programs designed for young skaters (3-5 years old), youth/teens (6-17) and adults 18 and over. The three-week sessions cost $50. Each person who signs up for a skating class receives two free skating admissions. If you’d rather venture into other winter sports, the RiverScape MetroPark also offers guests a chance to try their hand at curling and broomball, a game similar to hockey that incorporates certain aspects of soccer. For more information, visit www.metroparks.org/ice-rink.

PRIVATE EVENTS

Families, neighborhoods, clubs and groups can rent the ice rink for private events. Available dates are limited. For more information, call 937-275-PARK.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: RiverScape MetroParks Ice Rink

WHERE: 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton

WHEN: Beginning Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Check website for dates and times.

COST: $6 per person per skate, $2 skate rental. Season passes available

INFO: metroparks.org/icerink

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About the Author

Ashley Moor