Starting Friday, Jan. 21, you can ice skate at the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water St.). The new 770-square foot rink is being installed this week on the north side of the building. The new rink, which will be free to use, is called “The Dinky Rink,” the “area’s smallest public ice rink.”
“Developing fun and unique amenities during the winter months only adds to the experience at the market and the greater Historic Third Ward neighborhood,” said Paul Schwartz, the executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District #2 in a news release release. “And The Dinky Rink is a perfect example of that.”
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The rink will be open during the same hours as the market (Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). You have to be older than three to skate (apologies to any babies reading this), and if you’re under 18, you’ll need supervision by an adult. Everyone will have to bring their own skates, you will have to make reservations to use the rink, with 90-minute time slots available (here is a handy link to the reservation site). A maximum of eight skaters are allowed on the ice at one time.
The rink will also be flanked by some covered seating and outdoor heaters so you can enjoy food or drink outside. Also, all food and drink must be purchased from Milwaukee Public Market vendors.
The Market is unveiling the rink at 10 a.m. Friday with a first skate by Milwaukee Admirals mascot Roscoe.
The Dinky Rink will remain open as long as the weather allows. So knowing Milwaukee winter, let’s guess June.
