Ten years ago, . Ƶ Ƶ Today is following up on that article, looking at the different ways the town-gown relationship is still flourishing. Read more about the background of the relationship here.
Sunday Feb. 26 is the last day of the 2022-2023 season for the Ƶ Skates downtown ice rink, presented by . Since the rink opened for the season in November, it saw more than 12,800 skaters hit the ice – an increase of about 13% over last year’s attendance.
A true community partnership
"Without question, Ƶ Skates would not be possible if not for our amazing sponsors and all of the behind-the-scenes folks from University Facilities Management that ensure the rink operates and is open each day,” said Dana Lawless-Andric, associate vice president of University Outreach and Engagement for Ƶ. “This is a true example of what is possible when so many people come together focused on a community asset.”
This sentiment is shared by Michelle M. Hartman, interim executive director for the . “Ƶ Skates has been a wonderful addition to our downtown, and the vision, leadership and shared commitment between Ƶ Ƶ and the city of Ƶ to make this happen is a true testament of celebrating community spirit,” she said.
A list of Ƶ Skates partners and sponsors can be found here.
Benefiting business and families
The skating rink has had a positive impact on downtown Ƶ’s diverse mix of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and local events – all just steps away from Ƶ Skates. They’ve enjoyed increased foot traffic during the cold, winter months. “A vibrant and healthy downtown benefits everyone, and Ƶ Skates has played an important – and fun – role in strengthening our local economy and sense of community,” Hartman said.
One of the members of the community, both a parent and business owner, is Amy Mucha. She’s the owner and chief pop artist of Daisy Pops, a Ƶ-based online cake pop business that will open a shop downtown soon. Her business is one of the sponsors of Ƶ Skates. “I cannot tell you how much our family LOVED it this winter," Mucha said. "And I saw so many of my non-Ƶ friends coming into town to try it out as well. Thank you so much!”
Thawing out for spring
The last days to enjoy Ƶ Skates this season will be Feb. 22-26. But Doug Pearson, associate vice president for Ƶ Ƶ Facilities Planning and Operations, says everyone can look forward to Ƶ Skates returning to downtown Ƶ in November 2023.
If you’d like to be a part of next year’s team of businesses and partners that make Ƶ Skates possible, please contact Dana Lawless-Andric at dlawless@kent.edu for early-bird sponsorship opportunities.