New family-friendly activity supported by Greenway grant
As part of Jingle Falls USA, outdoor ice skating is returning to Niagara Falls from Nov. 30 through the holiday season. Residents and tourists alike are welcomed to skate, spend time in the city and check out the many events that Jingle Falls USA has to offer.
"A group effort has created a new family-friendly attraction in our city without local taxpayer expense," said Seth Piccirillo, director of community development for the City of Niagara Falls, and mayoral candidate. "Thank you to the Niagara River Greenway Commission, the Merani Hotel Group, Jingle Falls USA, the Niagara Falls City Council and the City of Niagara Falls for coming together to turn this idea into a reality."
The Merani Hotel Group will operate the outdoor ice rink at the intersection of First Street and Rainbow Boulevard, with the daily schedule included below.
"The Merani Hotel Group is very excited to partner with the City of Niagara Falls and many of our local business partners to make a downtown ice rink a reality," said Michael Marsch, vice president of operations. "We believe that any effort to bring more pedestrian traffic to Niagara Falls, especially during the traditionally slower time of the year, is a positive for the community. We continue to be committed to the redevelopment of Niagara Falls and are hopeful that this project can become a tradition for the long-term."
The Niagara Falls Community Development Department successfully applied for Niagara River Greenway Commission funding earlier this year for outdoor ice skating as a way to better connect people to the waterfront in the offseason. The ice rink will be located in close proximity to the entrance to the Niagara Falls State Park.
"Consistent with the Niagara Greenway's mission of promoting healthy outdoor activity, we are especially pleased to see this addition to Niagara Falls winter activity portfolio," said Greg Stevens, executive director of the Niagara River Greenway Commission.
Greenway grant acceptance and requests for operational proposals were both approved by the Niagara Falls City Council.
"I am excited for the citizens of Niagara Falls to enjoy the outdoors during the holiday season while giving our residents somewhere they can create memories. I am thankful to everyone that was involved in making this happen," Councilman William Kennedy said.
Ice Skating Details
Hours of operation are:
- Monday 4-8 p.m.
- Tuesday 4-8 p.m.
- Wednesday 4-8 p.m.
- Thursday 4-8 p.m.
- Friday 4-10 p.m. (noon to 10 p.m. during Christmas break)
- Saturday noon-10 p.m.
- Sunday noon-8 p.m.
The rink will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Event updates will be posted to
www.jinglefallsusa.com.
There will be an $8 skating fee and $4 skate rental. The Anchor Bar food truck will be on site with coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, water, hats and gloves for sale.
