Downtown Fresno Ice Rink Becoming a Popular Attraction
FRESNO, Calif. – Since beginning to welcome its first skaters last month, the Downtown Fresno Ice Rink is already beginning to boost activity in the downtown area.
Kate Borders, president and CEO of the Downtown Fresno Partnership, says the initial goal was to have 300 skaters a day spend time on the ice. Just a week ago, that number was already at 8,700, with anywhere from 50-1,200 visitors a day, depending on the day. It has drawn people downtown that don’t normally visit there, and area businesses are pleased with the turnout. Borders said businesses have reported increased sales and seen many new faces, and one business has even sprouted up due to the rink opening.
“A lot of the businesses are just kind of glad that there’s a renewed vibrancy in the area,” Borders said. “They want people and they want people to see them.”
Borders said special events are necessary to get more visitors to downtown Fresno. Every Saturday night there is a CArt Hop night at the rink, which brings together a group of food truck vendors. Live music fans can enjoy bands and other musical groups on certain nights. Also sure to draw large crowds is this Saturday’s Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, which will boast about 100 entries. The parade filled with the holiday spirit will include traditional floats, bands, cheer groups, singers and dancers. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Merced and Fulton, will wind its way down the Fulton Mall past the ice rink and end at Kern and N streets.
“I think it’s going to be even better than last year, which is great because I thought last year was wonderful,” Borders said.
Along with the new events and features, downtown Fresno is also going through a beautification process. More planters, flowers, new garbage cans and banners are improving its appearance.
“That’s the first step, is showing people we care about this space,” Borders said.
