Temporary ice skating rink now open in downtown Salem

A huge tent containing Salem's first ice skating rink since the 1950s has popped up in Riverfront Park, and starting Nov. 17, Salemites will have their chance to lace on some skates and take to the ice.

Salem On Ice, a seasonal ice skating rink approximately 60-feet-by-120-feet, will include a concession area, place for spectators and a separate party tent available for company events, birthday parties and holiday gatherings.

Every Friday and Saturday at the rink, Salem on Ice will have a live DJ spinning current and classic hits. Skaters can choose between classic ice skates and hockey skates, which are included in the entrance fee.

Food items include cotton candy, hot dogs, chili, chips, candy, water, coke products and something called Loaded Hot Chocolate, which is hot cocoa with whipped cream and crushed peppermint on top.

Construction began the week of Oct. 23, with the creation of a sand base to help protect the lawn area in the park. The tent was erected Wednesday, Oct. 31, and laying down the ice began Nov. 9, a bit behind schedule but still before the soft opening on Nov. 17.

"It’s to the crazy part where you work around the clock," said co-owner Andrea Murray Nov. 9. "It’s crazy, but we’re excited. People are really excited about skating, which is fun. It feels like the community is really invested in the process."

The temporary rink will remain through Jan. 21 and will feature a New Year's Eve party 10 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31 with skating, a DJ, complimentary sparkling cider toast, games in the party area, beer, cider and wine for purchase and a balloon drop at midnight.

Salem On Ice is the second rink location for owner/operators Jerome and Andrea Murray and business partner Troy Acor. The trio opened a seasonal outdoor rink in Modesto, California, in 2015, which hosted more than 70,000 skaters and more than 40,000 spectators over the course of two holiday seasons.

“I fell in love with the local community after moving here three years ago,” Acor said of the Salem-area. “We recognized the demand for family-friendly activities and entertainment options, and we wanted to bring ice skating to Salem.”

In the 1940s, Salem was home to an ice rink on the corner of Union and Capitol streets NE, newspaper archives show. The rink opened in 1940 but closed in 1951.

Acor began initial talks with the city of Salem in early 2017 and decided on Riverfront Park as the ideal location for the rink. Salem City Council unanimously approved the four-year rink contract on Aug. 28 with the option for continuing Salem On Ice for subsequent future seasons.

Sponsor involvement is an integral part of the rink operation, said Andrea Murray, and Salem On Ice is looking for local businesses interested in helping to bring ice skating to the Salem community. For more information about sponsorships, email salemonice@gmail.com or call 503-508-9109.

If you go

Hours: Nov. 18-Jan. 21, hours vary, with a special “soft opening” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17.

Where: Riverfront Park, Salem

Cost: 90-minute skating sessions, including skate rental, are $12 (ages 3 to 12 years) and $15. Season passes, 10-pack skater passes, discounts for large groups and family packs will be offered at the rink and for online purchase starting Oct. 10. Individual skating session tickets may be pre-purchased online starting Nov. 1.

Online: salemonice.com

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