Wichita’s only ice-skating rink is set to reopen Saturday.
The Wichita Ice Center, owned by the city and managed by Genesis Health Clubs, has been without ice since July 25 when a pipe in its cooling system ruptured.
“Imagine that in your fridge or freezer at home, something breaks and you can’t keep anything cold,” general manager Rob Boyle said. “That’s essentially what it was for us.”
Saturday’s reopening begins at 9 a.m. with the start of the Wichita Thunder’s training camp. A free lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.
Boyle said the rink’s six-week closure meant the community was missing out on a unique experience.
“I grew up in Canada, and you had the church and you had the rink — that was what we did in Canada,” Boyle said. “So it was a great community place to meet with your friends and have a fun time. It was a fun place to go.
“And that's what (the Wichita Ice Center is), that's what we continue to be, and that's we'll be moving forward.”
The rink will offer $5 admission, which includes a skate rental, all day.
“It’s going to be a busy, fun day,” Boyle said.
Andrew Linnabary is intern in the KMUW News Lab.