Ice Ribbon Experience Mixed

I agree with the December 17 editorial that the new ice ribbon brings a new energy to the corner of the park where it recently opened. There were several features that I found disappointing and I hope they can be resolved soon. Expect long delays to pay for admission and to get your skates. Once you have your skates, there is not enough seating for everyone so plan on waiting again to get on the ice. Once on the ice, the skating area is very congested, and it is very difficult to skate with any speed for fear of running into people holding hands or inexperienced skaters.

My biggest complaints are that admission is paid by the hour. The old rink charged $5.50 for an all-day session, the ribbon charges adults $6.50 per hour. Participants do not pay by the hour for golf or bowling so why do it for skating? Finally, cleaning the ice takes much longer than it did with the old rink. Expect to wait 30 minutes to clean the ribbon, longer if is snowing, as compared to 15 minutes with the old ice.

I expect some of these issues to be resolved over time. The congestion issue cannot be resolved and while I believe the ribbon will be a good thing for Spokane, I believe many experienced skaters are already missing the old rink.

Greg Hicks

Spokane