The National Building Museum in Washington D.C. has opened an 80-foot synthetic ice rink, providing a novel skate experience minus the cold, as reported by WTOP. The indoor setup allows for gliding on artificial ice, which according to a 10-year-old visitor, Mia Thomas, feels "more slippery, and it's more icy," a sensation divulged in an interview by DC News Now.
The rink is a partnership effort involving the Office of the Mayor, Events DC, and the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), aimed at drawing more people downtown for the holidays, Gerren Price, the President and CEO of the DowntownDC BID explained the collaboration and mentioned, "We're really focused on bringing people downtown for the holidays,” while offering his stamp of approval on the rink’s quality to WTOP. This new holiday feature is not only an attraction but also provides practical support for novices with guides shaped like whales to help prevent falls, which Mike, who was there with his son for his first ice skating lesson, appreciated, noting the difference from his own childhood experiences, according to a WTOP report.
Accessibility is key for this holiday treat, as skating is free to the public if they bring their skates, while those without can rent a pair for $5, as detailed by both DC News Now and WTOP. The rink will remain open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays through January 4, from noon to 8:00 p.m., accommodating all who wish to revel in the holiday spirit in the heart of D.C.
For additional details on this wintertime endeavor and potential holiday tradition, check out the full reports from The Washington Post.
