The City of Noblesville is excited for the return of the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza and to offer residents an outdoor recreational activity this winter. The temporary ice rink, with real ice, will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 and will be open daily until Jan. 7, 2019, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
“The ice skating rink was a big hit with families in its inaugural year. Due to the demand, we are building an even bigger rink for this season,” said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear. “Federal Hill Commons was designed to be a year-round park. I believe the winter activities here and across downtown will drive even more residents to the heart of our city this holiday season.”
The 56-foot by 96-foot ice rink, which is 30 percent larger this year, will be located at the Market Plaza at Federal Hill Commons. From Nov. 17 through Dec. 21, Ice Plaza hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Starting on Dec. 22, hours will be extended to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for enjoyment during Noblesville Schools’ winter break. The rink will have special holiday hours on Nov. 23 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.), and Dec. 24 and 31 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
“Instead of offering sessions, our Ice Plaza allows skaters to enjoy the ice for as long as they want. Admission is all day long so after skating for a bit, patrons can take a break to visit any of our fantastic nearby restaurants and stores and return to skate some more without having to pay again,” Parks Director Brandon Bennett said.
All ages are welcome to participate and rental ice skates range from kid to adult sizes. IU Health Saxony has partnered with the parks department to provide skating aids for children needing extra support while on the ice. Santa’s Snack Shack presented by Lucky Louie’s Street Eats food truck will be on-site with menu items for purchase including specialty mac and cheese, grilled sandwiches, soups, gourmet s’mores, hot chocolate, soft drinks and other snacks.
Admission rates are $12. Guests may bring their own skates if they prefer, but renting skates is included in the admission fee. Admission rates of $10 are available for those patrons that participate on special event and themed nights.
Themed night activities start at 6 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 24 – Small Business Saturday; Nov. 30 – Noblesville Fire Department Toy Drive begins and Elf Party sponsored by Bailey and Wood Financial Group; Dec. 7 – Public Safety Night and NFD Toy Drive ends; Dec. 14 – Holiday Hat Night; Dec. 21 – Ugly Sweater Party sponsored by IU Health Saxony; Dec. 28 – Flannel Night; Jan. 4 – Aloha Night; and Jan. 5 – Glow Night.
“In addition to the theme nights, we will host weekly specials with Teen Night on Wednesdays and Date and Skate Night on Thursdays. Starting at 5 p.m., teens and couples will receive the $10 admission rate per person on their respective nights,” said Bennett. “A daily special also will be offered to those who present a receipt from a downtown Noblesville merchant to receive a $10 admission rate on the same day.”
The Ice Plaza would not be possible without the support of the following businesses and organizations: First Merchants Bank, IU Health Saxony, Indiana American Water, Bailey and Wood Financial Group, Hamilton County Tourism, Burtner Electric, Cabela’s, CSI Signs, Duke Energy, Gaylor Electric, Horizon Bank, McGavic Outdoor Power, Midwest Paving, Pediatric Dentistry of Noblesville, Peterson Architecture, Stony Creek Early Learning Center and Landscape Hub. Those interested in becoming a sponsor and connecting with ice plaza visitors may contact Kristi Spehler at (317) 776-6350 or kspehler@noblesville.in.us.
For additional information about the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza, visit federalhillcommons.com.