Opening delayed by unseasonably warm weather
Sam Song, 509.625.6660
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 9:57 a.m.
The Riverfront Park Ice Palace, recognized as one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the nation, is scheduled to open for the season on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The opening had been pushed back from the original target date due to the warmer fall temperatures.
Crews spent weeks of working tirelessly day and night despite the rainy and windy weather to get the ice rink foundation built. The work included building the first few layers of ice and adding base coat, hockey and curling lines. To open the Ice Palace, crews need more than six consecutive days of cooler weather and at least average fall temperatures to sustain the rink.
The Riverfront Park Ice Palace has the most scheduled public skating hours in the area including day time and evening opportunities. The holidays also offer additional hours of operation. This year – in addition to activities including skate lessons, hockey, and curling – the Ice Palace has added new heaters and an espresso machine to the restaurant.