Ice Skating in Niles
 Although the creation each year of an ice skating
rink is not a project that the City of Niles coordinates, we have
been happy to assist volunteers in providing this activity for
the community. Join us in downtown Niles for ice skating during the
winter months. Riverfront Park is open until 10pm. You
can use your own skates throughout the week or anytime.
The Niles High School Key Club operates Open
Skate hours for use of FREE skates on the weekends from 9 am
to 5 pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Community
groups are encouraged to schedule skating parties during the
week. You must be a Niles City resident to sign out a key to
use the Warming Shed. If you are planning to drive a little
distance to the site, call us first to ensure the ice is in perfect
condition. Contact Tim Skalla at 269-684-2455 for updates on the condition
of the ice or other information about the Niles Ice Skating Rink.
Winter
Ice Skating in the City of Niles has been around since the turn of
the century. For many older residents, the thought of skating
in Eastside Park brings back magical memories of a time many
believed was long gone. Today there are a group of volunteers
in our community who, for the past four years, are committed to
bringing back this FREE fun family tradition. These
volunteers work tirelessly for weeks to prepare the ice.
Volunteers sent out a community call for ice skates and received an
outpouring of support from their neighbors. The donated ice
skates make it possible for any child who wants to skate to do so. .
. completely free of charge and without mom and dad having to buy
new ice skates.
This year the Niles Ice Skating Rink has been
relocated to Riverfront Park in downtown Niles. The rink sits
on the corner of Ferry and Front Streets. Each year, signs are
posted to tell the community when the ice is ready, although
sometimes it is the ice skaters themselves who make the
announcement.
A warming shed has been added and more people
skate now than ever before. Community support for
the project is flourishing with whole families like the Easton
family and others who donate what they can to a fund that helps
purchase ice liners, supplies and other equipment needed to maintain
the ice during the winter season. We invite you to bring the
kids to downtown Niles and enjoy ice skating in Riverfront Park.
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Almost Ready. . . two days later skaters
came to test the ice. "Oh, yeah! It's
Ready" Time to Skate! |
It's ok to bring your own, but numerous
pairs of skates for boys and girls have been donated.
Every child can now have fun on the ice for free. |
New Ice Rink Photos by Stephanie Skalla
Top Right Photo:
Little Catherine Easton (Marsh) with her dad, Elmer Easton skating
at Eastside Park circa 1962
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