Let them skate
Closed down Galleria ice skating rink to reopen under new management
When the ice skating rink at the Galleria unexpectedly closed Sept. 26, many regulars of the Polar Ice facility were worried that recreation was making way for more fast food outlets.
But rest assured skating will return, and the Galleria rink where 1998 Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski trained may yet serve as practice facility for another such winner, rink employees say.
The rink is scheduled to reopen at 5 p.m. Friday under new management, said Randy Branca, who oversees lessons at the rink as skating director.
The rink will be known as Ice at the Galleria, dropping the “Polar” from its name. Polar Ice management closed the rink even though its lease with Simon Properties, which runs the mall, was not up. The new operators have slightly refurbished the rink, putting in new boards along the ice.
The rink was never in danger of shuttering for good — it’s a destination within the mall even for those who don’t skate, Branca said.
“Everybody comes by the rink when they come to the Galleria,” he said. “It’s a big draw for the mall.”
The schedule for public skating and lessons will remain the same under the new management.
