Franciscan ice rink offers winter fun
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STEUBENVILLE -- Since it opened at Franciscan Square in November, a permanent ice skating rink has provided many area residents and visitors with much-desired winter activity and socialization.
Dubbed he Rink at Franciscan Square, the attraction was launched by Franciscan University of Steubenville, with financial support from a grant from the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Foundation and title sponsor Trinity Health System, following positive public response to a temporary rink the school established at the site a few years ago.
Peter Herrmann, operations manager for the Rink, said attendance has been consistent since it opened, suffering only when the area experienced cold, rainy weather.
Many patronizing the Rink on Saturday said they were happy to have a local winter activity.
"It's great to give the kids something to do. It gets them out of the house and doing something instead of sitting around on their phones," said Aaron Lyons, who was among parents warming themselves at a firepit just outside the rink on Saturday afternoon.
Lucy Pease, 11, of Steubenville said she had skated at a rink in Pittsburgh before the Rink opened and she appreciates being able to enjoy the pastime with friends and closer to home.
Emma Lyons, a sophomore at Steubenville High School, said she often hangs out with friends at the Rink on weekends.
"There's not much to do (in this area) on the weekends. And it's a fun little thing to do," said Lyons, who added they often eat at one of the eateries adjacent to facility.
Jose Cerquedo, manager of Rubi's Pizza and Grill, said, "We get a lot of families when the Rink is open. College students also."
Flanked also by the recently opened Harp and Habit, an Irish-style pub and restaurant with a menu for all ages, and the future site of a Jimmy John's sub shop, the skating rink overlooks University Boulevard and the entrance to Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Herrman said many appreciate the eateries' close proximity.
"People work up an appetite skating and like to have somewhere close to eat," he said, adding the Rink also has been visited by guests at the nearby Best Western Plus hotel.
"Kids who have never seen ice have been here and it's really something to see," said Herrmann.
Development of Franciscan Square, including the four-story 113-room hotel, by the school in collaboration with Fraspada Co. Ltd. and Cedar One Realty was prompted by a desire to provide convenient accommodations for the school's many students and visitors.
But many year-round residents also have appreciated the food and services offered by the businesses there, with the ice skating rink drawing many each day.
Skylar Harris, 11, of Steubenville said she was enjoying celebrating her birthday at the Rink, having attended an ice skating party held by her friend, Rosie Marshall, in the past.
Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for private parties at the Rink, which is slated to remain open through February, pending suitable weather.
Herrman said when the temperature rises above 50 degrees, it's more difficult for ice-making equipment to maintain a freezing temperature for the ice.
He said when warm weather arrives, the concrete base will be used for other community activities, as it had before the permanent rink was built.
The Rink's regular hours are 3p.m.to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Admission is $8 for those 18 and older and $7 for age 17 and under, with children 3 and under admitted free.
The Rink also holds occasional Wednesday family nights, with discounted rates, that are announced through its Facebook page.
The Rink also offers an introduction to hockey, with pickup games for separate age groups 12 and under and 13-16 held on Saturday mornings and others for adults on Thursdays after 9 p.m.
Herrman said about 15 turn out for the youth hockey sessions, including seven or eight regulars, while more than 20 adults have participated in the Thursday night sessions.'
Herrman said while children, teens and college students comprise much of the clientele, it has been visited by a number of adults.
"We had a guy who dug out his old skates from 40 years ago and had me sharpen them up," he recalled.
Patrons who don't have their own skates or hockey sticks may rent them there, with skate sizes ranging from a child's 8 to an adult 13 available.
The Rink also offers free sharpening for all skates and for those new to skating, plastic walkers that may be gripped for a steadier balance.
Herrmann said for patrons' safety, two to four staff members are on hand through the day, depending on the volume of attendance.
Ten-year-old Carmen Mills of Steubenville offered the following tips for novice skaters: Wear long socks to avoid getting blisters and to avoid falling, hold onto the wall at first or a friend's hand.
A number of skaters noted the friendly atmosphere.
Asked her favorite thing about the place, 10-year-old Rosie Marshall replied, "People helping each other."