Nov. 20--The ice-skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park will open the day after Thanksgiving, weather permitting, Chicago Park District officials said Thursday.
Other rinks around the city also are opening Nov. 27, including Midway Plaisance Ice Skating, Mount Greenwood Ice Rink and Rowan Ice Skating.
The Park District couldn't open the ribbon last week because of the mild weather, but if it's cold enough, the ribbon could open earlier than its scheduled date.
"They attempted to lay the ice last week, but it was too warm so it did not take," said Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, spokeswoman for the Park District.
In the meantime, ice-skating aficionados can take advantage of the rink in Millennium Park that opened Friday.
The quarter-mile-long, 20-foot-wide ribbon opened to much fanfare last year and drew nearly 70,000 skaters in its first season.
"I think it looks beautiful," said Nicholas Leskiw, 35, of Morton Grove. "You have the skyline, the sound shell and it looks interesting, and you're not being in a giant circle of ice."
Other ice skaters welcomed the opening of the ribbon because it will reduce traffic at the Millennium Park ice rink.
"It's unusual for them to have two rinks so close together, but you can do different things at the rinks so I like it," said Steve Talbert, 43, of Oak Park, who was skating in Millennium Park.
gwong@tribpub.com
