MOUNT GREENWOOD — Workers were busying preparing the outdoor ice rink at Mount Greenwood Park on Tuesday — a welcome sign for skaters on the Far Southwest Side.
The rink, officially known as the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Rink at Mount Greenwood Park, will open Nov. 27, said Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Park District.
The rink is scheduled to debut along with the eight other outdoor ice facilities operated by the park district on the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, Faulkner said on Tuesday.
Some feared the opening of the Morgan Park Sports Center would result in the closure of the aging outdoor rink just 2.2 miles away at 3724 W. 111th St. The indoor ice arena and gymnastics facility opened Sept. 1.
Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) said the park district has committed to upkeep both facilities — so long as the community continues to show support by way of attendance.
"I just stress to people to continue to utilize it," O'Shea said.
For his part, O'Shea said he will continue to host events at the outdoor rink. He also said he's well aware that such rinks are expensive to maintain.
But he said the Mount Greenwood rink has historically been one of the most-used outdoor rinks among the eight similar facilities operated by the park district. This makes it easy to argue in favor of keeping it open — despite the new, indoor option, O'Shea said.
"As long as the community utilizes it — like in years past — we will continue to have that rink," he said.
One of the more popular programs operated at the outdoor ice rink is the Mount Greenwood Youth Hockey Learn to Skate. The instructional program is geared toward skaters age 4 and older.
Coaches work with young hockey players from 10-11:30 a.m. every Saturday from Dec. 12-Feb. 13. It costs $70 to participate, which includes 10 weeks of instruction, ice time, insurance and a jersey.
Players are required to have a hockey helmet with a cage, skates, shin pads, a hockey stick and warm gloves. Registration will take place from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 20 at Mount Greenwood Park's field house.
Space is limited. For more information, call Jack Duffy at 773-779-6482.
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