The City of Noblesville is excited for the return of the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza offering residents an outdoor recreational activity this winter. The temporary ice rink, with real ice, will open at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and will close for the season on Jan. 6, 2020. Some holiday hours will apply.
“The ice skating rink has become a new holiday tradition in Downtown Noblesville,” said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear. “Federal Hill Commons was designed to be a year-round park and hosting winter activities here and across downtown will drive even more residents to the heart of our city this holiday season.”
The 56-foot by 100-foot ice rink will be located at the Market Plaza at Federal Hill Commons. From Nov. 23 through Dec. 22, Ice Plaza hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Starting on Dec. 23, 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. 29 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.), and Dec. 24 and 31 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“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. Again this year, IU Health Saxony has partnered with the parks department to provide skating aids for children needing extra support while on the ice. Celtic Pretzel will be onsite during rink hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with popular menu items for purchase, including specialty pretzels with dipping sauces, along with hot chocolate and coffee.
Admission rates are $12 for those ages 13 and older and $10 for those ages 12 and younger. Guests may bring their own skates if they prefer, but skate rental is included in the admission fee. Admission rates of $10 are available for groups of six or more and those patrons participating on themed nights.
Theme nights are scheduled to take place on two nights this year, including a Toy Drive on Dec. 6 and Miller Night sponsored by Bailey and Wood Financial Group on Dec. 20. Those bringing a toy donation or wearing their Noblesville Miller gear on the respective theme nights will receive the $10 admission rate.
For the second year, Noblesville Schools’ Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) will also be involved at the Ice Plaza, where $1 per skater will be donated back to the PTO and the $12 admission rate is discounted to $11. PTO Nights scheduled so far include: Noblesville East Middle School (Dec. 2), White River Elementary (Dec. 3), Stony Creek Elementary (Dec. 9), Promise Road Elementary (Dec. 16), Hinkle Creek Elementary (Dec. 17), and Noble Crossing Elementary (Dec. 30).
“The schools and students had a lot of fun with it last year. It’s a win-win for both of us, as families and friends enjoy a night together at the rink while generating revenue for the PTOs,” Bennett said.
The Ice Plaza would not be possible without the support of the following businesses and organizations: First Merchants, Gaylor Electric, Indiana American Water, Noblesville Urgent Care, Hamilton County Tourism, McGavic Outdoor Power, Bailey and Wood Financial Group, Cathedral High School, Context Design, CSI Signs, Burtner Electric, Horizon Bank, Midwest Paving, Pediatric Dentistry of Noblesville, Peterson Architecture and Stony Creek Early Learning Center. 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.