UM-Flint's ice rink was named one of 10 'outstanding outdoor rinks' by Pure Michigan. Courtesy photo | UM-Flint
FLINT, Michigan — The University of Michigan-Flint skating wil close out its fourth season this weekend, with the final open skate set for Sunday, March 3.
The rink remains popular, typically bringing in 30 to 60 skaters to downtown Flint for an open skate, said Theresa Landis, director of recreational services at UM-Flint. Peak usage this year saw 130 skaters flooding the rink in January, she said.
After being a vacant space for more than 25 years, Chancellor Susan E. Borrego reopened the rink in 2016 as part of her commitment to reinvigorating the campus community and the community overall. The rink hosts free skating four days a week, with skate rentals also available.
This year the rink was named one of “10 Outstanding Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks” in Michigan by Pure Michigan, a state travel and tourism agency.
Participation this season also was buoyed by Crystal Fieldhouse, which increased the number of skates available to rent, Landis said. She also noted new sponsorships from Dort Federal Credit Union, 100K Ideas, and The Ferris Wheel to help support the rink.
“The University Pavilion Ice Rink is an inexpensive, easy and fun way to fit in exercise while enjoying our Michigan winter," she said.
Regular seasonal hours continue this week with free open skate 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. on Friday, and noon-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Skate rental is available for $3 inside the University Pavilion but skaters are encouraged to bring their own skates when possible.
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