After sitting desolate for 25 years, the UM-Flint Ice Rink is again renting skates!
The grand re-opening of the rink was held on January 2, attended by nearly 300 people including community members, UM-Flint faculty, staff, students – even some international students who had never experienced ice skating. About 150 pairs of skates were available to borrow for the event.
Chancellor Susan E. Borrego led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She was joined by Sue Davies, Vice President of Kettering University, and Beck Foerester from the Hagerman Foundation, both of whom are financially supporting the rink. “Our students are engaged in this community and invested in this community,” Borrego stated in the press release for the event. “Whether they come from a small island off the coast of Africa or just down the street in Grand Blanc, our students want an excellent education, to have some fun and to make a difference in our community. Reopening the ice rink is a small and easy way for us to invest in our campus and community. ”
Borrego also thanked Kettering University and Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman, through the Hagerman Foundation, for their financial support to get the rink opened. “As we continue to find ways to enhance the campus, opening this rink is a simple way to have a dramatic impact,” Borrego said.
“We are delighted to partner with UM-Flint to continue a great tradition – free community ice skating in Flint during the winter,” added Kettering University President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan.
The rink uses an “IceMat” system, which keeps the ice frozen, even when temperatures are above freezing – perfect for this year’s unpredictable and unseasonably warm weather.
Skates now cost $3 to rent and will be available during open skate hours, thanks to Crystal Fieldhouse in Burton. The Ice Rink is open for community skate 6-9pm Wednesday and noon-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Photography by Mike Naddeo
