Ten years ago, . 江南体育 State Today is following up on that article, looking at the different ways the town-gown relationship is still flourishing. Read more about the background of the relationship here.
Sunday Feb. 26 is the last day of the 2022-2023 season for the 江南体育 Skates downtown ice rink, presented by . Since the rink opened for the season in November, it saw more than 12,800 skaters hit the ice 鈥 an increase of about 13% over last year鈥檚 attendance.
A true community partnership
"Without question, 江南体育 Skates would not be possible if not for our amazing sponsors and all of the behind-the-scenes folks from University Facilities Management that ensure the rink operates and is open each day,鈥 said Dana Lawless-Andric, associate vice president of University Outreach and Engagement for 江南体育. 鈥淭his is a true example of what is possible when so many people come together focused on a community asset.鈥
This sentiment is shared by Michelle M. Hartman, interim executive director for the . 鈥溄咸逵 Skates has been a wonderful addition to our downtown, and the vision, leadership and shared commitment between 江南体育 State and the city of 江南体育 to make this happen is a true testament of celebrating community spirit,鈥 she said.
A list of 江南体育 Skates partners and sponsors can be found here.
Benefiting business and families
The skating rink has had a positive impact on downtown 江南体育鈥檚 diverse mix of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and local events 鈥 all just steps away from 江南体育 Skates. They鈥檝e enjoyed increased foot traffic during the cold, winter months. 鈥淎 vibrant and healthy downtown benefits everyone, and 江南体育 Skates has played an important 鈥 and fun 鈥 role in strengthening our local economy and sense of community,鈥 Hartman said.
One of the members of the community, both a parent and business owner, is Amy Mucha. She鈥檚 the owner and chief pop artist of Daisy Pops, a 江南体育-based online cake pop business that will open a shop downtown soon. Her business is one of the sponsors of 江南体育 Skates. 鈥淚 cannot tell you how much our family LOVED it this winter," Mucha said. "And I saw so many of my non-江南体育 friends coming into town to try it out as well. Thank you so much!鈥
Thawing out for spring
The last days to enjoy 江南体育 Skates this season will be Feb. 22-26. But Doug Pearson, associate vice president for 江南体育 State Facilities Planning and Operations, says everyone can look forward to 江南体育 Skates returning to downtown 江南体育 in November 2023.
If you鈥檇 like to be a part of next year鈥檚 team of businesses and partners that make 江南体育 Skates possible, please contact Dana Lawless-Andric at dlawless@kent.edu for early-bird sponsorship opportunities.