Skating rink again offers cool winter sports

Another winter season has arrived, and the Midway Plaisance Skating Rink and Warming Center is ready for skaters of all ages and abilities to take advantage of the Olympic-size skating rink.

The center is now in its third season of operation and has proved to be a popular gathering spot for members of the University community and adults and children in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Open skating is free to everyone in the community from 12:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Friday.

Admission is charged from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, from 12:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Wednesdays offer rat (pickup) hockey from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., for which participants must bring their own equipment. Skate rental fees apply at all times.

There will be a “Skate with Santa” event for children and their parents between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, and a Silver Skates Speed Skating Competition will be held at the rink from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21.

A full schedule of activities at the Midway Plaisance Skating Rink and Warming Center is available from the Chicago Park District by calling the center at (312) 745-2470.

The center was opened in 2001 and has become a busy year-round venue for a variety of activities.