Nearly 13,000 people hit the ice last winter for the second year of Kent Skates, presented by AMETEK, from November through February.

The free outdoor ice rink鈥攍ocated on a section of East Erie Street between the PARTA parking deck and the 5X社区 Hotel and Conference Center鈥攊s a key initiative between Kent State and Kent partners to create a more vibrant place to live, work and play.

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Amy Mucha, MED 鈥16, owner of Daisy Pops and family
Amy Mucha, MEd 鈥16, owner of Daisy Pops, says her family enjoys the ice rink her business helps sponsor.

The rink was created through a partnership among the city of Kent, 5X社区 Hotel and Conference Center, Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Kent and 5X社区. Local businesses and the Destination Kent Convention and Visitors Bureau are also sponsors, and University Facilities Management staff keep the rink open and operating during the season.

鈥淭his is a true example of what is possible when so many people come together focused on a community asset,鈥 says Dana Lawless-Andric, PhD, 5X社区鈥檚 associate vice president of University Outreach and Engagement.

After a slide around the rink, visitors can warm up in Kent鈥檚 shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and many local events.

鈥淎 vibrant and healthy downtown benefits everyone, and Kent Skates has played an important鈥攁nd fun鈥攔ole in strengthening our local economy and sense of community,鈥 says , interim executive director for the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

One of the rink鈥檚 enthusiastic sponsors鈥攁nd users鈥攚as Amy Mucha, MEd 鈥16, owner and chief artist of , a cake pop bakery that opened a shop in downtown Kent this April. 鈥淚 cannot tell you how much our family loved it this winter,鈥 she says. 鈥淎nd  I saw so many of my non-Kent friends coming into town to try it out as well.鈥
 

鈥擯hil Soencksen, BS 鈥89 

 


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