Riverside Ice Arena Now Open To Public
15 Dec 2015
By: WIFR News Room
BELVIDERE (WIFR) — After years of preparation, a new ice skating rink is now open in the Stateline.
The Riverside Ice Arena has been in the planning stages since 2012. It’s part of a $3 million Doty Park upgrade project. The rink will offer hockey leagues for kids and adults, broomball leagues, skating lessons, affordable skate rentals, and open skating. The Riverside Rink is owned by the Belvidere Park District.
Those who would like to sign up for those leagues can do so at the Belvidere Park District’s website.
Not only is the rink a fun winter activity, the Park District believes the ice rink will help local business.
“It is in the downtown area and when you have tournaments coming and people coming in, from other areas, it’s going to bring in a few tourism dollars. We do feel like it’s a great addition to the downtown. In the past, this was a rundown place for vandalism, so we’re hoping with the renovations, that’s going to disappear,” says Gabriel Castillo with the Belvidere Park District.
The rink has a grand opening special, through the beginning of January. All open skating is free.
The rink is located at 365 Locust Street in Belvidere. Skates can be rented for $1. The Riverside Ice Arena is open 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.