The City of Fresno is preparing for an exciting new attraction to the downtown area, Nov. 9. Taking about three to four weeks to build, Fresno has just built a 6,000 square foot outdoor ice rink on the Fulton Mall.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on opening day at 10 a.m., Nov, 9. For the first 100 people who arrive at the rink, they will receive free admission. Organizers said they hope the ice rink provides family bonding and encourages healthy living.
President and CEO of Downtown Fresno Partnership, Kate Borders, shares the hope for the ice rink and the efforts put in to make this project a success.
“Ice rinks are proven to be successful in other cities,” Borders said. “This community needs something to be proud of in the heart of the Downtown. This is a healthy, active experience that families can enjoy together. We believe that the ice rink can become a holiday tradition for families all over the central valley.”
Sophomore, Kim Ward, used to skate as child. Having this new ice rink brings anticipation to continue skating, but she says it will be solely for leisure. Ward also feels she can use the ice rink to have fellowship with friends, family and even her cheer squad.
“I feel excited,” Ward said. “Maybe I’ll go with all the cheer girls, bonding for the team would be very enjoyable. Also, since the rink will be outside, skating at night would be awesome because then you can look at the stars while you skate.”
The Special Ice Company in Livermore, CA, was the builder of this project. President of the company and person in charge for the project, Emery Lykins, tells the of the privilege to be apart of this project.
“Our company has been building ice rinks for approximately five to six years,” Lykins said. “It was great to be apart of this process of building the Fulton Mall Ice Rink. You can see the excitement in the people walking by the construction, we were unsure of how it was going to be perceived in the Fulton Mall, but there was great support from the community.”
Borders continues to tell of the excitement they feel the ice rink will bring to families. For the opening day they plan on having hockey exhibitions throughout the day and figure skaters dropping by.
“We have gotten a lot of buzz about the rink,” Borders said. “We expect people to come out and enjoy themselves and then go home and tell all their friends and neighbors about the experience.”
Caleb Nale, ’14, has not heard of the new ice rink, but thinks that this will open a new opening door for him to learn how to skate. Enjoying the ice rink with friends and family is how Nale plans to enjoy part of his winter vacation coming up.
“I want to go and learn how to skate,” Nale said. “I’m terrible, but this sounds like fun. I would want to go to the rink with friends so that way they can help me. I need to learn how to skate, with winter coming up its a good time to do that and maybe I can even learn how to play hockey.”
The ice rinks main sponsor is Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC). Communications Specialists, Shannon Merritt, of CRMC tells of the benefits of supporting the ice rink for the company.
“Our CEO Jack Chubb and his administration considered several reasons why a sponsorship would benefit Community Regional Medical Center,” Merritt said. “It came down to a few very important factors: One, we’re the largest private employer in the Valley and therefore it benefits Community Regional staff as well as our valued physicians, volunteers and our sister hospital staff.
Thanks to ABC30 for this VIDEO of the ice rink near the clock on Fullton Mall’s Mariposa Plaza.
While there is another perimanent rink in the Fresno area, this indoor rink Gateway Ice Center, is another option for skaters to skate at. The Fulton Mall Ice Rink, being downtown, brings connivence to those who live closer to the down town area. Merritt continues on telling of the heart that the hospital has for the people of the community and the desire to bring new traditions to families.
“Next, it’s a way for us (CRMC) to give back to our community,” Merritt said. “To help and provide a healthful way for folks to enjoy a wonderful holiday tradition. Last, there’s no other outdoor ice skating experience in the Central Valley, so it’s exciting to be a part of the attraction that will bring awareness of our downtown and stimulate our economy.”
The outdoor ice rink will open Nov. 9, despite the flyers indication to open the day before. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children. Skating will begin at 10 a.m.. Closing day is Jan. 13. For more information, contact Kate Borders at her work number 559-490-9966 or via email Kate Borders.
For more news, read the Nov. 8 article, FCS to launch spirit wear website, Nov. 13.
