Washington Township Park and Premier Inflatables, Avon, have partnered to open Hendricks County’s first iceless skating rink, “Avon Ice Rink.” The new attraction, located at 435 Whipple Lane in Washington-Township Park, promises an enjoyable, outdoor skating experience without the weather-related worries like melting ice.
What is synthetic ice? It’s made from a proprietary polymer compound…in other words, a specially made plastic. Panels of this compound link together like the pieces of a puzzle. Altogether, the panels make for a surface large enough to skate on.
How does synthetic ice work? Similar to real ice, lubricating liquid lessens the friction from the bottom of your ice skates, allowing the skater to coast with little effort. It’s said that skating on synthetic ice takes a little more effort but not so much as to take away the thrill.
The rink will be managed by Premier Inflatables, Avon.
“This is a traditional outdoor activity that the whole family can do together,” said Premier inflatables owner Cassie Still. “It’s fun, not weather dependent and just a great addition to Hendricks County.”
Still said they are using EZ Glide 350, the newest and most popular synthetic ice available. This is the same type of synthetic ice used by major hockey teams and figure skaters.
Premier Inflatables has managed kids’ events and venue locations for the last 25 years. In that time, it has partnered with Washington Township Park on several occasions.
General admission is $10 per person and includes ice-skate rental. However, groups of 15 or more pay a discounted price at $8 per person. If the rink is at capacity, skate time will be limited to 90-minutes per person.
Regular hours of operation are 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday; and noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Please note that holiday hours differ (see figure). For more information, contact Premier Inflatables at (317) 567-2144.
Avon Ice Rink Holiday Hours
Jan. 1 – 2 | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Jan. 3 | Reg. operating hours resume
Story and photo by Chris Cornwall