Skate in the City winds up. What did you think?

The biggest thing I took out of this is that Garema Place can and should have events all the time. Fed Square isn’t just the building and there’s no good reason why we can’t have equivalent events put on by artists, businesses and community groups in the centre of Canberra.

That said, too often ‘Groovin’ in Garema’ is a bit of a joke. I believe the set-up and application process is outsourced to Sydney, though I’m sure we could easily engage local organisations and run it better, for less.

Katy, if you’re reading this, I volunteer my time if you volunteer my wage.

Watson said :

Loved the idea and hope they’ll do it again. But with less people on the ice at once (or a bigger rink) and make the area around the rink a bit more cosy for the spectators.

What Watson said. Great idea but rink was too small and area around the rink was unappealing.

Mysteryman said :

I loved it! I think it was a great idea. I hope they do it again in future.

Could not agree with you more.

Bear in mind that the current retail environment is dire.

“No improvement” is better than most are managing.

I went twice also and had a great time. It was affordable, in a good location. I think the seating around it and the food area needs improving. Also apparently the businesses didn’t get much extra business, but I also didn’t see any of them offering say a discount for people with an ice skating ticket, or even just a promo sign up out front.

Still I think it was a good idea and should be done annually. IMO if the city was planned a bit better with cafes and restaurants on part of the lake and a large square/open area for gathering and events then an ice rink there would be great, but of course, we are stuck with ideas from a century ago.

Took the family along last Thursday night courtesy of free tickets from The Beast (aka ABC666) and thought it was great. Happened to be “Finland night” too so it was cool hanging out with all the old Finns around the rink. Agree that it would be good to have a slightly bigger skating space next year, though naturally that raises questions about where they could put it.

I think it’s a good example of the kind of relatively small investment that has bigger, albeit more intangible, payoffs though. Lots of smiles around the rink, awkward grins from boyfriends trying not to make a complete fool of themselves in front of their girl, tweenie kids linking arms and giggling, old couples who used to skate back in the day blissfully gliding through, parents with small children pushing those cool penguin things, first-timers wishing they had them in adult size.

Only downside for me is that The Boy has shown a real knack for it which means semi-regular trips to the rink at Phillip. And if he shows an inclination for ice hockey, well, I’d best start saving for the dental bills now…

Loved the idea and hope they’ll do it again. But with less people on the ice at once (or a bigger rink) and make the area around the rink a bit more cosy for the spectators.

I thought it was the best thing for years!

needs to be bigger next year, more room to skate.

They had good quality skates, good music, and a great atmosphere. I went a few times, and enjoyed skating while in the sunshine.