The ice rink in Franciscan Square opens for the season | News, Sports, Jobs

OPENING DAY — Skaters crossed the ice at the Ice Rink in Franciscan Square on opening day Wednesday. –Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — Those looking for an outdoor winter activity can enjoy the ice at the Rink at Franciscan Square, which opens for the season Wednesday with a few new features.

The ice rink returns for its second year since being installed as a permanent fixture in November 2023. More than 10,000 skaters visited the rink last year, according to Phil Rook, director of real estate operations for Franciscan University of Steubenville. The doors opened on Wednesday.

“Last year really exceeded expectations” Rook said. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to continue building on that this year.”

The track will be open from November to February, depending on the weather. Open skating hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 15:00 to 21:00, Fridays from 15:00 to 22:00, Saturdays from 11:00 to 22:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 19:00.

All hours are subject to change. Party packages and private rink rentals are also available.

Special working hours will be offered on holidays. Rook stated that the rink will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Regular admission fee is $8 for ages 18 and over, $7 for ages 17 and under, and children ages 3 and under can skate for free. Skate rentals are available in all sizes for $5.

The Rink is supported by multiple sponsors, including title sponsor Trinity Health System.

More information is available at franciscansquare.com/ice-rink, on the Franciscan Square Facebook page or by calling Skate Lodge at 740-275-8466.

Returning skaters may notice a new addition to the rink: The Igloo, which provides an enclosed area where friends and family can sit and watch. The igloo is sponsored by the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, a partnership that Rook’s rink staff is looking forward to.

“We hope to work with them and highlight all the upcoming winter events in Steubenville, especially the Nutcracker Village and Christmas at the Castle.”

Rook said the Rink’s presence last year, a partnership between Franciscan University and local developers, was a huge boon for restaurants in Franciscan Square.

Now Rubi’s Pizza and Grill is ready to serve skaters, as is Jimmy John’s, which opened in April and is now a Rink sponsor. Harp and Habit, which opened in December, has its own collection. “rink menu” and will serve guests from a side window overlooking the ice.

A. “big hit” Rook said last year it was a weekly lake hockey practice and added that the leagues will return in December. The youth league will meet on Saturdays, while the adult league, sponsored by The Harp and Habit, will meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Rook said Rink desires to expand school activities. Last year, special events were held for Steubenville City Schools and Steubenville Catholic Schools; Jefferson County Christian School also held an event.

Long before the ice rink became a permanent fixture in Franciscan Square, the idea for an outdoor ice rink emerged from Franciscan University staff as a solution to the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rook said. Aiming to unite students with an event, the university signed a contract with a company to establish a temporary track in 2020.

“It was a huge hit” Rook said. “(University) president Father Dave Pivonka loved the idea of ​​providing a place for the community, students and families to relax outdoors. “In fact, this is a social outreach work of the university.”

Last year, while the permanent ice rink was being built, the pre-existing turf area was removed and was not replaced after the end of the season. Based on feedback from the community, Franciscan Square decided to reinstall the turf field when the skating season ends, Rook said.

Rook said preparations for Wednesday’s opening began four weeks ago. At that moment, Rink crossed Harp and Habit’s open porch and saw the Skate Lodge being lowered by a crane facilitated by Fort Steuben Maintenance and Bowers Contracting.

Soon the ice-making process and preparation for rentable skates began. Just before the rink opened, operations manager Peter Herrmann made a preparatory pass with the ice regeneration machine.

The first skaters on the ice were 11-year-old twin sisters Lucas and Liviah Cook, accompanied by their older sister Ellie, 12. The three were supervised by their father, Bob Cook, who recalled the boys’ eagerness to start skating again. .

“That’s all I’ve heard for the last three days.” he said.

Bob Cook said the Cook boys skied almost every day last winter. That December, the children ice skated for the first time, but have since learned new tricks and even participated in pond hockey.

Also ice skating Wednesday were Franciscan University students Carlos Ramos and Sarah Carpenter, who said they were glad to have ice skating opportunities nearby.

Even though Ramos is not that skilled, he stands by his girlfriend, Carpenter. Carpenter, who skated at least once or twice a week last year, said the activity was fun “Even when it’s raining.”