GAINESVILLE - There has been a high degree of difficulty in getting the ice rink back to downtown Gainesville over the past several years, but all that is about to change starting next week.

 

After a five year hiatus, the Holiday ice rink, formally called the Plaza Ice Palace, will be returning to the Bo Diddley Plaza this year. The city was forced to abandon plans for the rink back in 2007, as funding ran low during the economic recession. But thanks to a new contract with a different firm, the city of Gainesville is now able to bring back the rink.

 

"The company has agreed, basically to assume all of the set-up costs for the ice rink," says Bob Woods, city of Gainesville spokesperson. "The city will receive a percentage of the proceeds from the skate rentals during the period that the skating rink is available," says Woods.

 

But while the city is looking to save money with the rink, nearby businesses are hoping to do just the opposite. Owners are hoping the rink brings in some extra foot traffic to downtown Gainesville, giving a boost to their businesses.

 

Work on the ice rink is scheduled to begin on November 15, with the official opening taking place on Friday, November 23. It will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. 10 p.m. on weekends. The rink will remain open until Sunday, January 6. If you're interested in skating, tickets will be $10 per person for those without skates, and $7 for those with skates.