GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's almost time for a festive Grand Rapids favorite to return! The Rosa Parks Circle ice skating rink is preparing to open for the year on Black Friday.
Ice skating has been kicking off the holiday season in Grand Rapids for decades, bringing thousands downtown each year.
David Marquardt, director of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, said the plan is to keep the skating rink open until Feb. 25 if weather permits.
"So long as that weather holds out for us, if we get some really warm days and some strong sun, it's a little harder for us to keep ice," he said. "But as always, we'll do our best to keep it open that long, but we'll be open seven days a week."
To secure a spot, reservations can be made online. Walk-up skating is also available, depending on the current capacity.
Marquardt is encouraging skaters to reserve their skating time in advance, particularly if you're skating with a group.
"But (reservation times) still do have a tendency to fly off the shelf, if you will, rather quickly. So I encourage folks if you are interested in skating early and making the reservation to do so, as quickly as you can," he said.
For adults 18 and older, skating is just $4, and $2 for those under 18. If you're interested in skating multiple times throughout the season, punch cards are available for $16 and will let you skate 10 times.
Any closures or updates will be posted on the rink's Facebook page.
Reservations open on Nov. 17. To reserve your skating time, click here.
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