Nearly 13,000 people hit the ice last winter for the second year of Kent Skates, presented by AMETEK, from November through February.
The free outdoor ice rinklocated on a section of East Erie Street between the PARTA parking deck and the 做厙輦⑹ Hotel and Conference Centeris a key initiative between 做厙輦⑹ and Kent partners to create a more vibrant place to live, work and play.
The rink was created through a partnership among the city of Kent, 做厙輦⑹ Hotel and Conference Center, Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Kent and 做厙輦⑹. Local businesses and the Destination Kent Convention and Visitors Bureau are also sponsors, and University Facilities Management staff keep the rink open and operating during the season.
This is a true example of what is possible when so many people come together focused on a community asset, says Dana Lawless-Andric, PhD, 做厙輦⑹s associate vice president of University Outreach and Engagement.
After a slide around the rink, visitors can warm up in Kents shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and many local events.
A vibrant and healthy downtown benefits everyone, and Kent Skates has played an importantand funrole in strengthening our local economy and sense of community, says , interim executive director for the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.
One of the rinks enthusiastic sponsorsand userswas Amy Mucha, MEd 16, owner and chief artist of , a cake pop bakery that opened a shop in downtown Kent this April. I cannot tell you how much our family loved it this winter, she says. And I saw so many of my non-Kent friends coming into town to try it out as well.
Phil Soencksen, BS 89