BY CORIE LYNN
The pavilion in downtown Hays will look a little different this winter. This year, visitors can strap on their skates for a visit to the ice rink the Downtown Hays Development Corporation plans to bring to the community.
“Bringing a large outdoor attraction to Downtown Hays like the rink is something that DHDC has wanted to do for some time,” said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. “2020 seems like the perfect time to bring something this exciting into our community.”
The idea of the ice rink was proposed in August with fundraising beginning Aug. 31. With the hope of opening the rink for the months of November and December and a cost of $35,000, fundraising efforts had to begin early.
“We’d like to raise at least half of that cost before committing to bringing it to Hays,” Bloom said.
According to the ice rink information page on the Downtown Hays website, the rink will be run by nonprofits as a fundraising opportunity. Though there will be a fee to skate, the cost will include both skate time and ice skates, and the proceeds will go to the hosting organizations.
Businesses and individuals can donate to the rink through the information page as well.
Though the ice rink presents an opportunity for nonprofits to fundraise, Bloom explains that the DHDC sees the rink as an activity for residents to look forward to this holiday season.
“So much has been taken away because of the pandemic and we want to change that and bring in something new and exciting. An outdoor attraction like a rink is something we feel can happen even if COVID cases increase,” she said.
Because the rink will be open-air and the DHCH can limit the number of people skating at a time, ice skating presents a safe, socially-distanced and fun activity for all ages. The new attraction would also bring visitors to Hays and its businesses.
Excitement around the ice rink is already building. Blooms assures that even if everyone gives $5, the cost will easily be covered. If, however, the fundraising goal isn’t met, the money raised will be used to purchase new welcome banners for Main Street.
More information about the ice rink, including frequently asked questions and donation links, can be found on the Downtown Hays website.