Sandusky's bigger, better ice rink ready for skaters

SANDUSKY — This past week, Sandusky officials unveiled its new ice skating rink located on Jackson Street Pier off West Shoreline Drive. "The rink is back for its second year on the pier, and, this year, it is nearly three times the size, over 4,100 square feet," according to a city statement. "The rink is made of Super-Glide synthetic ice, which provides a similar experience to skating on real ice. Thanks to Civista Bank for sponsoring the ice rink." Beyond sizes, skaters can expect several other changes compared to last year's rink. "We are also investing in dasher boards so that the rink will be totally enclosed by solid walls," city recreation program supervisor Annette Solet said. "To help the surface of the synthetic ice, we will incorporate a maintenance plan to clean and apply an enhancer to provide a smoother glide." An ice skating rink satisfies a priority project identified in 2021 to ensure year-round activities across downtown. "A few benefits of ice skating and winter activities are it allows individuals to experience the outdoors and breathe in fresh air, which, in turn, strengthens the immune system; offers the opportunity for physical activity; (people can) gain natural vitamin D, which is necessary to ward off diseases; and because it is fun," Solet said. Q&A Sandusky officials put together a question-and-answer section on its website to provide more clarity into the city's new ice rink. Q: When are the hours of operation? A: The hours for November and December are: • 5-9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays • Noon to 3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Saturdays; The rink will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. • 2-7 p.m. on Sundays Regarding holidays, the rink will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve; closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas; open from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 26; open from noon to 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 for New Year's Eve; and closed on Jan. 1 for New Year's Day. January hours will be announced at a later date. Q: Are skates available for rent? A: Skates are available to rent for $5 per pair of skates at the Skate Shake, located inside the Goodtime I ticket building. All credit card transactions are subject to a $2 processing fee. Skaters must also sign a waiver form before skating. Q: Could the rink close due to weather conditions? A: Yes, based upon weather conditions and safety considerations for the skaters. Closures will be announced via the Jackson Street Pier Facebook page and at cityofsandusky.com/icerink. Q: Can the rink be rented for a private event? A: Rink rentals vary in price based on peak hours and availability. Contact Linda Carroll at lcarroll@cityofsandusky.com or 419-627-0529 for more information on booking. Q: Are there age or height requirements for children? A: There are no age or height requirements for children.