CITY OF WILMINGTON
The opening of the Horizon Services Riverfront Rink at 308 Justison Street. Photo Joe del Tufo
Partnerships and Creativity Help Bring Ice Rink to Wilmington This past December the Horizon Riverfront Rink, at 308 Justison Street, opened at the Wilmington Riverfront. The concept of an ice rink first began as a conversation between Scott Humphrey and Mike Purzycki about how Pierre S. Du Pont’s Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, had an unused performance ice rink that had the potential to be a unique attraction for Downtown Wilmington. Humphrey works with Light Action, Inc., a prominent full service production company on the east coast specializing in theatrical lighting, staging, audio/video and major productions. Purzycki is the Executive Director of the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC), which has helped lead the revitalization of Wilmington’s Riverfront area over the last two decades. “We have worked together on many projects,” shared Purzycki, “but this project was different. At first I thought we were planning for next winter. But then we realized we could make it happen right away.” “Once we spoke with Longwood’s Chairman Nathan Haywood and we realized we could buy the equipment, the project moved forward quite quickly,” recalled Purzycki. Longwood recognized that the RDC had a great idea for the responsible re-use of the ice surface and its accompanying equipment. From that point, Light Action took the lead in planning rink operations and setup, while the RDC began talking to partners, vendors and potential sponsors. With only sixty days between the purchase of the rink and the planned opening day, absolutely every aspect of the rink had to be ordered, built, prepared
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and tested. “We have done everything from leveling the ground, building the foundation and tents, hiring vendors, buying skates, and installing lights and decorations.” Jeff Flynn, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, noted “the Riverfront rink is a one of kind attraction in the State of Delaware. The RDC does an excellent job of engaging outside partners to contribute to all of the wonderful entertainment opportunities that are available to people of all ages.” Admission prices for the Rink are between $5 and $8. The Rink is open seven days a week, including evenings, through February 28th. Along with a festive decor and holiday music, rink amenities include hot concessions of sandwiches, fries and beverages. “There is so much to see and do at the Riverfront,” says Purzycki. The rink is another example of what partners can do together.” Mayor Dennis P. Williams encourages visitors across the region to come enjoy Downtown Wilmington and the Riverfront. “Each part of our community is working very hard to make our united vision of a thriving and vibrant Wilmington a reality. I believe evidence of this work can be seen around our city each day, and especially at the Riverfront. The addition of the Riverfront Rink is a wonderful example of the creativity and partnerships that are necessary as we work to grow Wilmington.” To learn more about the Horizon Riverfront Rink, please visit: www.riverfrontwilm.com/destinations/horizon-services-riverfront-rink/.
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12/22/14 1:00 PM