Downtown Ice Rink Coming To Arlington Heights' Eastman Street

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A stretch of Eastman Street will become an outdoor ice rink this winter under a village and Park District partnership aimed at bringing more people downtown during the colder months.

The Village Board approved the agreement Oct. 19 for "Skate on Eastman," a pilot program featuring a roughly 40-by-80-foot rink between Evergreen Avenue and Arlington Heights Road, just south of North School Park.

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The agreement calls for construction to be completed by Nov. 15. Village Manager Randall Recklaus told trustees officials hope to have the rink available for the November holiday tree lighting, but an opening will depend on temperatures.

The rink will use a chiller to help maintain ice in weather below 50 degrees. Recklaus explained that sustained temperatures around 30 degrees will initially be needed to freeze the ice.

The Park District will own and operate the rink, set rules and schedules, and collect user fees. The agreement does not specify admission prices, operating hours or skate rental arrangements.

Eastman Street To Close

The project will require closing Eastman Street between Evergreen and Arlington Heights Road, along with the north entrance to the adjacent parking garage.

The village will provide barriers, signs, lighting, electricity and water, along with security measures it determines are necessary. It also will handle snow and ice removal around the rink and on adjacent sidewalks. The Park District will arrange construction, equipment and any necessary temporary restrooms, maintain the skating surface and provide liability insurance.

Recklaus said the location emerged as the best fit after officials considered available space, pavement slope, electrical capacity, parking and proximity to Park District facilities.

Its location beside North School Park also places skating near the holiday light display. Officials see the project as an opportunity to bring more activity to the northern portion of downtown.

Village Contributing $45,000

Under the agreement, the village will contribute $45,000 toward the Park District's operating costs, in addition to paying expenses associated with its own responsibilities. The village and Park District will jointly pursue sponsorships and grants to offset costs.

During the board discussion, trustees expressed enthusiasm for the rink while raising questions about rising expenses and potential costs in future years.

Recklaus said the Park District's expenses were in the six figures, although he did not have its overall budget available during the discussion. Some equipment purchases would serve future seasons, he said.

Trustees also asked about insurance, possible effects on the street surface and seating for parents and others watching skaters. Recklaus said officials could evaluate additions during the pilot season as they learn what works.

A Pilot With Room To Grow

The agreement calls for operations to end on a date determined by both agencies, no earlier than Feb. 15, 2027. The Park District will dismantle the rink, and the village will store the materials. Within 60 days after removal, the agencies will review the season and consider whether to bring it back.

Possible future improvements include a second rink to allow skating and hockey simultaneously, a permanent pavilion roof, additional restrooms or a skate shack, and electrical upgrades.

Officials also could consider flattening the street into a plaza-style surface and adding a garage entrance on the south side to replace the closed north entrance.

Those improvements would require further evaluation and agreement. Recklaus said the first season will help officials determine whether the concept should continue or expand.

Beyond skating, officials see potential for the Eastman location to host other community activities throughout the year. The goal, Recklaus told trustees, is to get more people into more parts of downtown during more seasons.