'Slice of Ice' is back! The changes you might notice at Red Arrow Park
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A winter tradition has returned Friday to downtown Milwaukee, despite some delays due to the mild start to winter.
"This is actually the latest we've opened ever since the ice rink has been here," said Joe Mrozinski, the assistant director of business development at Milwaukee County Parks. "The previous latest open was Christmas eve 2021."
Mrozinski said "Slice of Ice" typically opens as early as Thanksgiving weekend or the first week of December. However, this year, temperatures have been a little too warm.
"We do have an underground cooling system, which does keep the ice temperatures up to 50 degrees but if we get toward spring and the sun angle off these beautiful buildings downtown tends to melt the ice pretty quick come March," he added.
The opening Jan. 5 saw both recurring and new skaters.
Ian Dart drove from Oak Creek to teach his 3-year-old son Frankie to skate for the very first time.
"Just nothing else is frozen so...you can skate indoors but as of right now, at least around the area, this is the only place," Dart said.
Steven Delaney, who's been skating for 65, years told CBS 58 News he comes every single year and encourages others to try, even if they are scared they will fall.
"Well, everybody's going to feel a little apprehensive for the first time and you just gotta prepare yourself and fall correctly," he said.
The Starbucks that was once at this location has closed. Milwaukee County Parks has temporarily turned it into a coffee and hot chocolate station.
"And then come spring, we have a new partner coming in spring of 2024, Bigby Coffee," said Mrozinski.
The rink is open every single day of the week starting at 11 a.m.