Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) — Main Street Square was designed to attract more people to downtown Rapid City.
And as the temperatures start to drop, a winter tradition arrives as the square transforms into an ice rink.
The ice rink downtown adds some of that winter and holiday magic for all ages.
“It is a huge hit, I mean if you come down here any weekday night, especially on weekend nights, it’s got 100’s of people down here just enjoying. I think it’s such a wonderful place and part of downtown Rapid City for people to come and just meet and get out and have an experience,” Main Street Square Events Coordinator Pomai Lindenthal said.
Ice skating is the main attraction, however being located in the heart of downtown helps promote local businesses like Alternative Fuel Coffee House and others nearby.
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“Watch their kids, they sit in here and they support us by sitting in here. Hey can I get a smoothie for my kids when they come back because ice skating is really hard. I see people just sweating up a storm out there,” Alternative Fuel Coffee House Owner Patti Griffin said.
“It’s such an important part of the downtown culture to have an ice skating rink and have opportunities for people to come out. Especially during the winter when there is not a whole lot to do. I think it’s something that definitely draws people out and draws people to the downtown which has them frequenting restaurants, businesses and doing the shopping down here,” Lindenthal said.
These daily happenings and special events at the square are designed to help those close by and revitalize downtown.
“And being located here on the square with its uniqueness, with its interests year round, they’re not complacent here at the square. And I appreciate that as a neighbor of theirs,” Griffin said.
The ice rink has started to add more options for those in wheelchairs to skate, and have everything a family could need to effortlessly cruise on the ice.
The Ice Rink is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and can even be booked for birthdays, corporate gatherings and more each day of the week.
