Friday marked the beginning of the winter season at Maggie Daley Park, with the ice skating ribbon opening up for visitors looking for a glide beneath the city's skyline. This year's opening comes with a bit of seasonal quirk, as temperatures soared into the 60s, creating an unusually warm backdrop for the winter activity. Despite the unexpected warmth, operations manager Kevin Klein assured that the ice was "strong, thick," as quoted by NBC Chicago.
On its first day, the Ribbon didn't just offer ice but a sunny respite for skating enthusiasts. "I'm sweating right now," shared Kathy Xiang in an expression of the day's incongruity with typical winter weather. As per NBC Chicago, the ribbon is entering its 11th year and has become a festive staple, drawing close to 150,000 skaters the previous season.
Skate rentals start at $17, and those wishing to test their skills on the quarter-mile-long ice trail can buy tickets for a two-hour session directly from the Maggie Daley Park website. Walk-up sales are also available, catering to the spontaneous spirit of city dwellers and tourists alike. With the rink modeled after a lazy river and able to host 700 skaters simultaneously, it offers a unique experience in the heart of Chicago. This and more details were reported by CBS News Chicago.
The park, which is also home to the city's official Christmas tree at Millennium Park, is set to light up for the season on Nov. 26. With proximity to such festive displays, the skating ribbon offers an adjoining dash of holiday cheer. Those looking for employment have the seasonal opportunity to join the Maggie Daley Park team, as job listings for a range of roles are currently posted, indicating the park's preparation for a busy winter season.
