The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink is open for season-long, family-friendly fun on the banks of the scenic Great Miami River in downtown Dayton.
Admission to the MetroParks Ice Rink under the pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., is $5 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $2.
The MetroParks Ice Rink will be open through the end of February, including special holiday hours during Christmas, New Year’s and more. Visit metroparks.org/icerink for a complete schedule.
Photo Credit; RiverScape Metro ark
Season passes are available: $90 family passes include season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $30 individual passes cover the same costs for one person. Season pass holders also receive 25 percent off products at the RiverScape Café. Those who purchase season passes before Friday, Nov. 23, will receive 20 percent off. Buy your season pass on opening day and receive a 15 percent discount. Gift certificates are also available for purchase at the rink.ow.
Photo Credit: Riverscape MetroPark
For themed skating fun, mark your calendar for each Friday from Jan. 11-Feb. 1., These family-friendly skates are held from 7 to 10 p.m.:
- Jan. 11: Top 40
- Jan. 18: Michael Jackson
- Jan. 25: Frozen on Ice
- Feb. 1: School Pride
Visitors can stay warm and take in beautiful views of downtown Dayton while cozying up next to the outdoor heaters and grabbing a variety of snacks and hot chocolate at the RiverScape Café, which will be open during rink hours. Season pass holders receive a 25 percent discount at the Café as well.
Photo Credit: Riverscape MetroPark
Creating even more accessibility to the rink, the Greater Dayton RTA has launched its free shuttle, “The Flyer,” which runs from RiverScape MetroPark to the University of Dayton area with more than 20 stops along the route. The shuttle is available every 10 minutes, Monday through Saturday. Hours vary; learn more at www.i-riderta.org/TheFlyer.
Skating lessons for children, teens and adults are held at the rink throughout the season and cover basic skills that will have participants moving comfortably on the ice. Access to Nature Scholarshipsare available to qualifying families who wish to participate in skating programs. Provided by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation, these scholarships are for those of all ages and pay for part of the cost of fee-based programs. Visit metroparks.org/scholarships to learn more and apply. To register or view a list of available lessons, visit metroparks.org/skating.
Registration also is now open for the 2019 curling and broomball leagues. Visitors also can try these sports during Try Broomball or Casual Curl, held on various dates in November and December.
“It’s easy to get cabin fever during the winter months when people tend to slow down and head indoors,” said RiverScape MetroPark Manager, Meredith Adamisin. “The rink provides a great opportunity for families to spend time together enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle — even when it’s chilly outside.
ABOUT FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS
Celebrating more than 50 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParksis a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks and a network of recreation trails. Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. Five Rivers MetroParks is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. To learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks, log onto www.metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK (7275).
