Unique facility enters its third season in newly completed student plaza
Scenically nestled in the heart of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s newly completed Ruth and Bill Scott Student Plaza, the UNMC publicice rink will open for its third season on Nov. 29.
Located between 40th Street and 42nd Street and between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street, the outdoor skating rink was made possible by a gift from Omaha philanthropists Ruth and Bill Scott.
Over the past eight years, the Scotts have made multiple gifts to UNMC, including the lead gifts on new buildings for four UNMC colleges – medicine, nursing, public health and pharmacy – as well as the student plaza.
“It is really a beautiful ice rink,” said Deb Thomas, assistant vice chancellor for business services. “There’s nothing like it in Omaha. We are delighted to make it available to the public as well as our students, employees and faculty.”
For the first time, Thomas said skaters will be able to enjoy the new Hope Tower that stands directly east of the ice rink. “It is gorgeous,” Thomas said, “especially at night when it is illuminated.” The 120-foot tower was designed by James Carpenter, a New York artist who is internationally known for his use of light reflections.
Thomas said the med center will once again be hosting the UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s – a community effort to raise awareness and research funding for Parkinson’s disease. The 24-hour skate-a-thon will be held Jan. 27-28. For more information, click here. Last year, the event raised more than $40,000, and the goal this year is $100,000, she said.
“The Skate-a-thon raised the profile of the ice rink considerably,” Thomas said, “but many people still are not aware of it. We want more groups and corporations to use it. It is a great way to have fun and build camaraderie. There’s no way better way to enjoy our winter environment than by ice skating, plus it is an excellent way to burn a few calories.”
The rink will be open through Feb. 29. For a complete rundown of hours, see below. The cost to skate is just $5 and includes skate rental. Hot chocolate will be available for a minimal charge, and music will be piped over the sound system to keep the mood festive.
For more information on the UNMC ice rink, click here.
Admission:
Individual – $5 (includes skate rental)
UNMC students – Free admission ($3 daily skate rental)
UNMC students – $30 seasonal skate rental pass
Seasonal membership – $60 (includes skate rental) – available only to students and/or employees of The Nebraska Medical Center, UNMC Physicians, and Clarkson College
NOTE: Those who purchase passes must show their photo I.D. each time they wish to use their pass.
Skate rental:
$3 for each pair of skates.
Open:
Tuesday, Nov. 29 – Wednesday, Feb. 29
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday – 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Size:
5,500 square feet
Capacity:
130 skaters
Features:
· UNMC’s icon is visible through the surface of the ice.
· Has 42-inch high sideboards surrounding the ink.
· Three large heaters are located outside the skate rental hut to allow people to keep warm.
· Three outdoor restrooms are located just north of the skating rink – one for women, one for men, and one handicap accessible.
· The only other outdoor skating rink in Omaha is located at the Heartland of America Park at 8th and Douglas streets, and it is open for only a portion of December.
Parking (evenings and weekends only):
· Lot 39 – surface lot on 41st street between Emile & Leavenworth streets located south of the Sorrell Center and the ice rink.
· Lot 42 – surface lot west of UNMC Administration Center on northeast corner of 41st and Dewey Avenue.
· Lot 13 – surface lot at 41st and Dewey Avenue..
Rink Management:
· Steve Nigretti is the ice rink manager. He can be reached at 402-889-6168.
· By charging an admission fee and skate rental fee, UNMC hopes to cover the operations cost of the facility.
Code of skater responsibility:
· All skaters age 12 and under must be supervised at all times by their parent or guardian
· No fast skating
· No pushing or shoving
· No weaving in and out
· No food or drinks on the ice, or on the railings
· Do not sit or climb on the railings
· No street shoes on the ice
· Do not carry a child while skating
· No cameras on the ice surface
· No horseplay
· No foul language
· No inline skating "tricks"
· No refunds
· No “in and outs”
· Skating time may be limited to 1-1.5 hours
· This is a tobacco-free campus
· Please allow staff to assist anyone who is physically-challenged
· Inform the manager on-duty if you need medical assistance
· Any behaviors that endangers or interferes with another patron’s safety or pleasure is strictly forbidden
· No organized sports or sporting equipment
· Skate with the flow of skaters.
· Do not stand in the entrance/exit gates.
· No more than two skaters may join hands
Safety is top priority:
· If any skater fails to abide by this code of conduct, they will be asked to leave with no refund.
· The ice rink area is under audio and video surveillance 24 hours a day.
Liability:
· Individuals are responsible for securing their personal belongings. UNMC is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
· By purchasing an admission ticket and/or entering the ice rink area, skaters are aware that ice skating involves certain inherent risks which may cause serious injury or death.
· Skaters freely volunteer to participate and accept all known and unknown risks while in the ice rink facility.
· Skaters release the ice rink, its sponsors, operators and equipment suppliers against any claims and all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense they may incur.