With Weather Cooperating, Ice Skating Rinks Begin To Open

CHICAGO (STMW) -- Some people get into the holiday spirit by battling the throngs of shoppers for a deal on the day after Thanksgiving, while others get the feeling of the season by lacing up a pair of skates and gliding across a sheet of ice at their local pond, park or skating rink.

Now that the weather has taken a more seasonable turn, away from near-record high temperatures, the Chicago Park District's ice skating rinks are opening to the public.

The opening of all of the park district's ice rinks, originally scheduled for Friday, was postponed because of the recent warm temperatures. On Friday though, the park district announced that three of these rinks -- McKinley Park, at 2210 W. Pershing Rd., Midway Plaisance Park, at 1130 Midway Plaisance North, and Warren Park, at 6601 N. Western Ave. -- will be open on Friday as originally scheduled.

Three other rinks -- Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111 St., Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., and Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L -- are expected to open on Saturday, weather-permitting.

The Rink at Wrigley, outside of Wrigley Field at Addison and Clark streets, is expected to open Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Admission is free at most of the rinks, with the exception of The Rink at Wrigley and the indoor rink at McFetridge Sports Center in California Park. Hours and skate rental prices vary.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)