CHICAGO — If the chilly temperatures and recent snowfalls weren't enough of a sign that winter is upon us, here's another: Seven ice rinks across the city will open Friday.
New this year, many of the rinks operated by the Chicago Park District will offer new fee-based programs like skating lessons, open practice times and pick-up games for youth hockey players and organized "rat hockey" sessions for adults. See the park district's website for details and schedules.
The rinks set to open Friday (weather permitting) are:
• McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave.
• McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road
• Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance North
• Mount Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.
• Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
• Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L
• Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
In addition, the rink at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile Ave., is set to open Dec. 13.
All of the neighborhood rinks are scheduled to close Feb. 23.
Skaters can also head Downtown to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park, on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets. That rink is scheduled to remain open through March.
And for the first time this year, Lincoln Park Zoo will offer ice skating at the Farm-in-the-Zoo. The zoo's rink will be open from noon to 9 p.m. daily (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Admission is $5 and skate rental is $5.
