Skating Rink May Pop up in Downtown Eau Claire This Winter
An outdoor skating rink may become a reality this winter in the heart of downtown Eau Claire. The North Barstow Business Improvement District Board voted Thursday morning to move forward and pay $4,000 for a temporary rink, which would be installed on North Barstow Street, roughly on former site of the U.S. post office. The lot, which is slated for eventual private development, currently sits vacant next to the newly built downtown parking ramp.
The North Barstow Business Improvement District Board voted Thursday morning to move forward and pay $4,000 for a temporary rink.
The skating rink plan still requires approval from the city Redevelopment Authority, which owns the lot, as well as the Eau Claire Plan Commission, says City Engineer David Solberg. If these approvals are granted – and the weather cooperates – it could be time to strap on your skates sometime in December.
“I always get excited about recreation options that involve fitness, and ice skating is a great way to enjoy being outside in the frozen months,” said Julia Johnson, president of the North Barstow BID. “This is a unique opportunity to see how popular a downtown ice skating rink would be. We are hoping it will be a hit with downtown’s residents and give people another reason to come downtown.”
“The BID is willing to fund it, but it is thanks to city staff that the idea exists and they will be the ones make it happen," Johnson added.
