Grinnell now has a cool new attraction, thanks to funding by the Grinnell Tourism Committee. A skating rink has been constructed in Central Park for free public use. The rink was set up on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and will finish construction early next week. The rink’s foam border was filled with lights by volunteers early in the week and the fire department filled in the area with water on Thursday night. Once the water freezes, the rink will be ready for skaters to come enjoy.

The skating rink takes up a significant area of Central Park and will feature lighting and music during open hours. It is the latest idea to make Grinnell enjoyable for residents and more attractive to visitors. It was also a highly requested feature from residents of Grinnell, as part of the community feedback during the city of Grinnell’s place making campaign.

The idea of an ice-skating rink has been suggested previously when the Chamber of Commerce pursued the idea for this year’s winter season and fit the recent demand for more outdoor activities and spaces in town.

The new rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week for anyone to come slip, slide or skate. A local business, Bikes to You, will have ice skates available for purchase or rent. With winter weather already here, and more cold to come, come make some warm memories at the Grinnell’s newest attraction.