Residents of Kent are ready to ring in the holiday season with the return of Kent Skates this November.
Kent Skates, presented by Ametek, is a partnership between the city of Kent, the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, Main Street Kent and Kent State University. This is the second year these partners have helped bring the free rink to the public.
Starting Nov. 19, the rink will be open to the public free of charge. This includes free skate rentals to visitors. It will stay open through Feb. 26, 2023.
Also sponsored by local businesses such as Water Street Tavern, Acorn Alley and Off the Wagon, the rink brings the Kent and Kent State communities together for a festive experience. Skaters can enjoy refreshments from the Zamboni Cafe snack bar and visits from local food trucks. Guests may also explore other restaurants and retailers in downtown Kent just steps away.
“The Destination Kent Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to sponsor and welcome the return of Kent Skates to our downtown this winter season,” said Michelle Hartman, vice president of the Destination Kent CVB Board and the interim executive director of the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. "The vision, leadership, and shared commitment between Kent State and the city of Kent to make this happen is a true testament of celebrating community spirit. The ice rink was enjoyed by more than 15,000 people last year, and we anticipate this number going way up this year, which is quite impactful for our local community.”
The rink is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for public skating. However, if you are looking for a more private experience, groups are allowed to reserve time slots from Monday–Tuesday for $25/hour.
This seasonal attraction is located in the heart of downtown Kent, situated on a section of East Erie Street between State Route 59 (Haymaker Parkway) and South Depeyster Street, between the PARTA parking deck and the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center. To account for set-up and takedown of the rink, this section of East Erie will be closed from Oct. 15 through March 15, 2023.
To learn more about Kent Skates, schedule a group reservation or to find more information about the activities taking place this holiday season, visit www.kent.edu/kentskates.