The City of Noblesville is excited to offer residents a new outdoor recreational activity this winter with the creation of the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza. The temporary ice rink will open at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24 and will be open daily until Jan. 8, 2018, except on Christmas Day.
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“Federal Hill Commons was designed to be a year-round park so we want to offer a winter activity in our public space for people to enjoy this great downtown asset,” said Mayor John Ditslear. “The idea of ice skating came from public feedback from when we were designing the park.”
The ice rink will be located at the Market Plaza at Federal Hill Commons. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, Ice Plaza hours will be 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. After Christmas, hours will be extended for enjoyment during winter break. It will open daily at 11 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The rink will close early at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
All ages are welcome to participate and rental ice skates range from kid to adult sizes. Options Charter School in Noblesville has partnered with the parks department to provide skating aids for children needing extra support while on the ice. Concessions also will be available for purchase during rink hours.
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 groups of 10 or more and also to those patrons that participate on special themed skate nights. Special event and themed nights will include food trucks and other fun activities starting at 6 p.m. on Fridays. Theme Nights include: Nov. 24 – Frozen; Nov. 25 – Small Business Saturday; Dec. 1 – Elf Party & NFD Toy Drive; Dec. 8 – Flannel Frost; Dec. 15 – Grinch and Ugly Sweaters; Dec. 22 – Cake & Skate; and Dec. 29 – Public Safety Night.
“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 visit any of our fantastic nearby restaurants and stores and return to skate some more without having to pay more,” Parks Director Brandon Bennett said.
Advanced tickets may be purchased online at federalhillcommons.com/iceplaza beginning Nov. 20 and will allow participants to bypass the ticket line at the ice rink. However, the discounted $10 tickets will only be available at the rink.
The rink also will be available for private rentals before 1:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays between Nov. 27 and Dec. 21, where corporate events, birthday parties or holiday events can be accommodated. If your business is interested in being involved or sponsoring the Ice Plaza, contact Kristi Spehler at kspehler@noblesville.in.us. The Noblesville Parks Department is seeking seasonal employees to serve as ice rink monitors. Those interested in the position may visit agency.governmentjobs.com/noblesvillein for more information or to apply.
Installation for the 50-foot by 80-foot ice rink has begun and park visitors are asked to take caution during the installation process and to avoid the Market Plaza area. For additional information about the Ice Plaza, daily hours, advanced tickets, special events and sponsorship opportunities, visit federalhillcommons.com.