Skate in the Park opens Friday, Nov. 14, in downtown Acacia Park

By William J. Dagendesh

Ice skating is described as art in motion as the rink serves as an artist’s canvas, ice skates are paint brushes and skaters are the artists.

For this reason, Skate in the Park in Acacia Park will once again be open from Friday, Nov. 14, through January 2016 at 115 E Platte Avenue in downtown Colorado Springs. Brrr-illiant colorful lighting and holiday music creates a picturesque seasonal backdrop for a fun-filled daytime or evening activity for those involved in a love-skate relationship (if you’ll excuse the bad pun).

Lacing up skates at Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs.

Also, youth and adult pond hockey rentals will be available. An on-site food/drink vendor is being planned, and the jolly old elf himself, St. Nick, will be there on opening night, Nov. 14. A tree lighting ceremony, music and DJ is being planned. Pretty cool, huh?

This free, accessible downtown rink offers a festive, central location to enjoy ice skating, photography, and access to special events and promotions. It is a positive community gathering space designed to attract families and business to nearby downtown establishments. ‘Tis a great way to break the ice with visitors, yes?

Carrie Simison, director of communications and membership at the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, agreed, noting that Skate in the Park is the area’s only outdoor skating rink.

“You’re tucked in the middle of the city center, surrounded by twinkling lights, holiday decorations and the buzz of shoppers and eaters during the holiday season. It’s a great friend’s night out, date spot and family event,” Simison said.

Special events ranging from themed nights, live music and hockey tournaments to food vendors and visits from the world’s most famous bearded toy maker are being scheduled. “The Parks department is trying to coordinate with the local adult hockey league to organize the adult pond hockey tournament,” Simison said.

Visitors can skate under the stars, then enjoy a snack and warm beverage across the street. “We hope they remember their whimsy of youth and have a experience they can’t stop talking about and want to make a tradition of it,” Simison said.

Skate in the Park is a collaborative project between the Downtown Partnership and the Parks and Recreation department of the City of Colorado Springs and supported by generous sponsors who help to make the season a cool yule, offering everyone an opportunity to enjoy the snacks and a chance to hold onto the railing.

“It gives the sponsors opportunities to engage with skaters and visitors during themed days, let participants skate with members from area hockey teams and take lessons via U.S. Figure Skating’s Learn to Skate program. It puts 70,000 individuals in the one square mile of Downtown to eat, drink, shop and play before and after their skate experience,” Simison said.

The park is great for the family seeking to skate with their heart and not just with their feet. Tickets are $15 and $1 off for military and first responders. Children 4 and under are admitted free with paid a adult. Only skaters need to purchase a ticket which includes skates.

Order tickets here two weeks in advance. Spectators accompanying skaters must reserve a free ticket. Links to tickets are available at. Private rentals for groups also are available. Don’t forget to check out the Bijou/Cascade Garage which offers convenient parking.

The monthly skate schedule will be posted at DowntownCS.com/skate The rink is open to locals and visitors. To learn more, contact Sertich Ice Center at 719-385-5983.

Reach the Acacia hub (staffed during open hours, voicemail 24 hours) at 719-385-6521, skateinthepark @coloradosprings.gov or their website.