By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-994161.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington is getting a taste of New York's Rockefeller Plaza. This Saturday an outdoor ice skating rink will open at Triangle Park.
Renee Jackson with the Downtown Lexington Corporation says it's an idea that community leaders have talked about for years.
"You know we've been exploring places to put one and costs associated with it, and all different things. But this was one of the things that when the Triangle Foundation decided to completely overhaul the park, they were going to make it happen."
The downtown space next to the Lexington Center has been closed for several months while the non-profit Triangle Foundation uprooted dying trees, planted new ones, and made electrical improvements. The foundation is covering the cost of the United Trust Company Ice Rink.
Jackson says the same company that operates the rink at Rockefeller Center is overseeing the Lexington project.
"They anticipate I think between 20 and 25,000 actual skaters and then you multiply that by about three or four of how many other people will come down, such as parents and grandparents, to watch them skate."
The rink will stay open through January. Admission is ten dollars for 90 minutes of skate time.
Organizers hope the rink will be a regional draw for visitors. Cincinnati has outdoor ice skating, and there were plans to open a rink in Louisville, but those plans were tabled this year.
Future plans for Triangle Park include a cafe opening in the spring and possibly showing movies in the summer.
Scheduled Hours of Operation for Unified Trust Company Ice Rink
Monday-Friday: 4-9pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 1-10pm
When Fayette County Public Schools are not in session:
Monday-Friday: 10am-10pm