Skating ribbon re-opening still up in the air

Park officials have not yet set a date for the potential re-opening of the skating ribbon, which was shuttered earlier this month due to an ammonia leak.

The necessary replacement part has arrived, but workers are still evaluating the ice-making system where the leak originated, said Fianna Dickson, a spokeswoman for the parks department.

The goal is to re-open the ice this season to test the new equipment and give the public more time to skate, Dickson said. For those who purchased season passes for the attraction, officials are still trying developing a compensation plan. That could include offering free skating next year equal to the length of time the ice is closed this year, Dickson said.

“If we end up not re-opening, then we’ll have to take another look at that to see if that still makes sense,” she said. “We want to do right by the consumer.”

Park officials reported last week the skating ribbon had attracted 20,000 visitors during its inaugural season, earning approximately $180,000.

Future plans for the space include re-opening the Berry-Go-Round amusement ride on the ribbon’s “pond” space in May. Park officials are also testing rollerskating on the ribbon’s surface during the closure of the ice.