River Mill Park has a new refrigerated outdoor rink that won’t melt when the temperature rises.
It is thanks to a $149,546 in funding from Explore Huntsville and the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA).
Officials say Chamber staff approached HMATA last year for funding to refrigerate the rink, which will extend its use both earlier and later in the season and help to mitigate the melt on warmer winter days.
“The surface of the rink can be as warm as 8˚C and still freeze,” say officials.
Halley Clover, the chamber’s executive director, says they appreciate HMATA’s funding support to help ensure the rink is available for use as often as possible.
“The goal is to drive both local and visitor spending to our downtown and surrounding businesses throughout the winter season,” says Clover.
HMATA also supported the creation of a new mural by local artist Kristyn Watterworth on the exterior of the rink’s boards and the installation of a beautiful canopy of lights above the rink.
Kelly Haywood, executive director of Explore Huntsville/HMATA, says the rink is a “wonderful addition” to Huntsville’s downtown.
“With its new refrigeration, it was able to withstand the recent rain and warm weather so that the winter fun could continue both day and night,” says Haywood.
Officials say Explore Huntsville and HMATA will also be supporting this year’s SnowFest along with a series of free weekend events in River Mill Park from Jan. 24 to March 2.
Some of the events include Funky Fridays, Silver Screen Saturdays and Caesar Sundaes.
“Snowfest activities are an exciting way to get outside and delight in winter right in the heart of Huntsville,” says Haywood. “It’s a celebration of the season that can be enjoyed by all ages.”
