TOLEDO, Ohio — It was an ice skating season that exceeded expectations at one of east Toledo's newest attractions.
With one weekend left for the first full season of ice skating at The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark, the ice trail hit a milestone. The 50,000th skater took to the ice last weekend, according to Metroparks Toledo in a press release sent Tuesday, bringing the average to just under 500 skaters per day during The Ribbon's inaugural ice skating season.
The Ribbon officially opened Nov. 10, after a short preview in February 2023. Since the ice trail opened, Glass City Metropark has drawn over 100,000 visitors. The Ribbon closed only for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and two other days due to weather. Despite the wide range of temperatures thanks to an Ohio winter that ranged from unseasonably warm to below freezing, the ice skating surface remained open.
During the holiday season, Metroparks Toledo added decorations to The Ribbon and expanded skate times for three weeks, drawing over 20,000 skaters.
"Glass City is now a hub of winter activity," Mike Keedy, director of enterprise development for Metroparks Toledo, said.
The Ribbon also featured public skate sessions with the Toledo Walleye and Bowling Green State University hockey teams, special events and fundraisers for local causes.
Two sessions of five-week-long learn-to-skate programs and four glow skate events sold out during the season. Over 900 group reservations were made for the Cabana Village and Garden Winter Patio. Additionally, a new "Gift Ribbon" program offered low-cost or no-cost admission for hundreds of people to experience ice skating, Metroparks Toledo said.
The Ribbon's ice skating season, which was extended due to its popularity, is open through Sunday. After that, the 1,000-foot-long ice trail will close for several weeks to prepare for the start of the roller skating season in April.
Tickets for ice skating and more information are available at metroparkstoledo.com/theribbon.