The ice rink at the Jon and Ruth Ann Wefald Pavilion in Manhattan City Park opened its doors once again Nov. 9 for the 2024 skating season.

The rink has been an active part of the community for many years and opens its doors between November and December every year, staying open through the first few weeks of February. Many students use the ice rink, with some stepping onto the ice for the first time ever.

Daniel Hammeke, freshman in electrical engineering, recently learned of the rink’s existence.

“I’ve never ice skated before, but I am excited to try it out this winter,” said Hammeke. “I don’t think I’ve ever lived this close to a rink before, so I am definitely going to take advantage of it being only 5 minutes away.”

According to Google Maps, the next-closest public ice rink is in Kansas City.

Ethan Jackson, sophomore in mechanical engineering, does not have a rink near his hometown but has always wanted to get on the ice. 

“I’ve skated once or twice before, but I want to get good enough to be able to play hockey with some friends and hopefully be able to teach my kids how to skate in the future,” he said.

The rink offers skating lessons for kids aged 4-18 during its open hours. Pricing ranges from $40-50 depending on the month, and includes skates and lessons on the fundamentals of figure, hockey and speed skating.

Admission costs $3.50 per person and $3.50 for skate rentals, or $30 for a punch pass worth 10 visits. Hot chocolate is also available for $2.

“It’s super fun and affordable; we see a mix of college and highschool kids every year,” Luke Schmidt, manager of the ice rink, said. 

The rink is open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hours will change during USD 383 breaks and holidays.

Those interested in more information about the ice rink and its hours can visit its website at mhkprd.com.