Ten years ago, . 蹤獲扦 State Today is following up on that article, looking at the different ways the town-gown relationship is still flourishing. Read more about the background of the relationship here.
Sunday Feb. 26 is the last day of the 2022-2023 season for the 蹤獲扦 Skates downtown ice rink, presented by . Since the rink opened for the season in November, it saw more than 12,800 skaters hit the ice an increase of about 13% over last years attendance.
A true community partnership
"Without question, 蹤獲扦 Skates would not be possible if not for our amazing sponsors and all of the behind-the-scenes folks from University Facilities Management that ensure the rink operates and is open each day, said Dana Lawless-Andric, associate vice president of University Outreach and Engagement for 蹤獲扦. This is a true example of what is possible when so many people come together focused on a community asset.
This sentiment is shared by Michelle M. Hartman, interim executive director for the . 蹤獲扦 Skates has been a wonderful addition to our downtown, and the vision, leadership and shared commitment between 蹤獲扦 State and the city of 蹤獲扦 to make this happen is a true testament of celebrating community spirit, she said.
A list of 蹤獲扦 Skates partners and sponsors can be found here.
Benefiting business and families
The skating rink has had a positive impact on downtown 蹤獲扦s diverse mix of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and local events all just steps away from 蹤獲扦 Skates. Theyve enjoyed increased foot traffic during the cold, winter months. A vibrant and healthy downtown benefits everyone, and 蹤獲扦 Skates has played an important and fun role in strengthening our local economy and sense of community, Hartman said.
One of the members of the community, both a parent and business owner, is Amy Mucha. Shes the owner and chief pop artist of Daisy Pops, a 蹤獲扦-based online cake pop business that will open a shop downtown soon. Her business is one of the sponsors of 蹤獲扦 Skates. I cannot tell you how much our family LOVED it this winter," Mucha said. "And I saw so many of my non-蹤獲扦 friends coming into town to try it out as well. Thank you so much!
Thawing out for spring
The last days to enjoy 蹤獲扦 Skates this season will be Feb. 22-26. But Doug Pearson, associate vice president for 蹤獲扦 State Facilities Planning and Operations, says everyone can look forward to 蹤獲扦 Skates returning to downtown 蹤獲扦 in November 2023.
If youd like to be a part of next years team of businesses and partners that make 蹤獲扦 Skates possible, please contact Dana Lawless-Andric at dlawless@kent.edu for early-bird sponsorship opportunities.