OFFICIALS INAUGURATE MONROE CENTER ICE RINK WITH "STARLIGHT SKATE"
History in the Making!
2002
Listed below are a few of the events that happened "on ice" during the 2002-2003 season:
- The "Great Skate" 24-hour marathon hosted by the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation
- "Community Skate Parties" provided by Disney on Ice
- Several marriage proposals! The Grand Rapids Press wrote, "Rosa Parks Ice Rink is one of most romantic places in downtown Grand Rapids... a great place to propose to that special someone."
- At the public's request, music was played daily at the Ice Rink over a public address system. On weekends, a disc jockey interacted with skaters incorporating fun dances and activities.
2001
The City of Grand Rapids closed the Monroe Ice Rink on Sunday, March 18, 2001 with an outstanding response from the public. Over 22,000 people skated at the Ice Rink since it opened December 20, 2000; over 15,000 free skate rentals were provided with 220 pairs of skates made available at the Monroe Ice Rink Shelter by the Griffins Youth Foundation.
Participants who came down to ice skate on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March 17, 2001, were surprised to find green ice! In celebration of the last weekend, City staff will coat the ice rink with green water in the traditional spirit of St. Patrick's Day.
A couple of interesting notes occurred "on ice" this season, including:
- On February 17, one gentleman got on his knee, on the ice on skates, to propose marriage to his girlfriend. (She accepted!)
- The Grand Rapids Fire Department practiced rescue techniques on the Ice Rink.
- Twenty-one different groups and organizations frequented the Ice Rink with their programs.
- Groups of visitors from all over the world visited the Ice Rink (many actually ice skated for the first time), the farthest being from Tasmania, Australia.
- The Ice Rink was closed only two full days and three partial days during the season due to weather conditions.
"West Michigan's first refrigerated outdoor skating rink was a resounding success! We received numerous letters from citizens, school classes and others who enjoyed the free skating downtown. It's a first-class facility and we're just thrilled Grand Rapids' citizens took advantage of this healthy, family recreational activity. We're looking forward to the completion of the Monroe Center Park which will be a beautiful addition to the City's park system!" said Jay D. Steffen, director of the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
Final construction of the Monroe Center Park will resume on Wednesday, March 21, 2001. Construction began on Phase II of the $8 million Monroe Center redevelopment project in the Spring 2000, which included reopening Monroe Street and renovations to the Monroe Center amphitheater. Under a commission from the Frey Foundation , internationally renowned architect and artist Maya Lin designed the Park portion of the project.
2000
Grand Rapids, MI (December 20, 2000) Representatives from the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the Frey Foundation, Downtown Development Authority and the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation gathered tonight for a "Starlight Skate" to inaugurate West Michigan's first refrigerated ice rink.
The 5:15 p.m. program commemorated the official public opening of the oval-shaped rink and featured remarks by Jay Steffen, director of the Parks and Recreation Department; City of Grand Rapids Mayor John Logie; Jim Rinck, vice chair of the DDA; Milt Rohwer, president of the Frey Foundation; and Pamela DeVos, Board Member of the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation. More than a dozen children on skates assisted in the ribbon cutting and were among the first to skate on the ice.
The rink opened to the public immediately following the event. Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department employees will staff the Ice Skating Rink and Shelter:
Monday through Saturday from Noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Day)
A newly renovated Ice Skating Shelter (the former Mutual Home building) houses more than 220 pairs of figure and hockey skates which were donated by the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation for free public use at the rink.
"Starlight Skate"
"This is West Michigan's first refrigerated outdoor skating rink! Its a first-class facility, with 166 fiber-optic lights shining through the ice, and a beautiful focal point for the heart of Grand Rapids. We just couldnt be prouder of this beautiful addition to the City's park system!" said Jay D. Steffen, director of the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
In Spring 2000, construction began on Phase II of the $8 million Monroe Center redevelopment project which included reopening Monroe Street and renovations to the Monroe Center amphitheater. under a commission from the Frey Foundation , internationally renowned architect and artist Maya Lin designed the park portion of the project.
The Park's center features a sculptural amphitheater with a stage which will host festivals, concerts and other public gatherings in the summer. From late fall to early spring, the refrigerated ice rink will offer free skating to the public. Lights glimmering in the floor of the amphitheater are visible year-round and represent a snapshot of the constellations of the night sky over Michigan at the start of the Third Millennium. Two of the lights represent planets: Jupiter and Saturn. One light represents Polaris, also known as the "North Star" or the "Christmas Star."