Hoosiers hit the rink on Georgia Street

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Figure skating takes skill, and Hoosiers can work on their skating skills for free this weekend in downtown Indianapolis. Friday, a free outdoor ice skating rink opened on Georgia Street in front of the Pan Am Tower.

The young and mature took part in the new tradition called "City Sidewalks."

Mayor Greg Ballard said it’s part of a push to attract folks to Georgia Street.

Saturday, Santa will be at the Omni Hotel. City Sidewalks also features live Christmas tree sales, holiday performances and cookie decorating.

ONLINE EXTRA | Weekend fun on Georgia Street

The miniature ice skating rink roughly cost the city about $17, 000 for the entire weekend. The mild temperature won’t cause the rink to melt.

It’s artificial.

The synthetic ice is made up of a special plastic. The rink is pieced together with 4 x 8 sheets. Workers sprayed the sheets with a special solution to enhance glide and speed.

Mayor Ballard said he was pleased to see everyone having fun.

He passed on the skating portion. 

“When guys like me get on the skating rink it becomes a YouTube video, and not a good one,” he joked.

Meanwhile, participants must fill out a waiver before skating.