JOHN COFFELTEditor

Manchester residents will not have to travel far to enjoy ice skating this holiday season, as an artificial ice skating rink will soon take pride of place at Rotary Park.

Rental of the rink will cost the city about $46,775.21. About 60 people can skate at a time on the rink that will be 40 by 60-foot rink.

During its regular meeting Oct. 10, the Manchester Tourism Commission approved funding the rental of an artificial ice skating rink at Rotary Park for the holiday season.

According to preliminary plans by the Manchester Recreation Department, it should be open Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. Hours are currently planned for 4-8 p.m. during weekdays and 2:30-8 p.m. during the weekends.

Cost is expected to be $10 per skater for an hour of rink time, while skate rentals will also be available from the Recreation Department.

Skaters can purchase an armband at the Recreation Center front desk, which will allow for access onto the ice rink.

The Tourism Committee and the Recreation Department have contacted Artificial Ice Events, of Peabody, Mass. for the rental. A request for bids is required due to the cost of the rental.The funds are currently reserved and will require the approval of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for them to be released.

Director of Manchester Parks and Rec. A.J. Foxx, said that another company had all their rentals were booked.

According to Artificial Ice Events, “synthetic ice consists of a unique plastic polymer that best resembles the consistency of the world’s largest white cutting board. We then treat the ice panels with a lubricating solution that reduces contact friction and enhances the glide and speed of the skating experience.”

Additional holiday events:

– Dec. 4-10- The Trees of Christmas

Located at the Ada Wright Center, 328 N. Woodland St., Trees of Christmas invites area businesses, nonprofits, area schools and individuals to decorate a Christmas tree for pubic display.

Dec. 15- Downtown Stroll

The annual Downtown Stroll will return to Manchester’s historic downtown on the evening of Dec. 15 and will feature carolers, photos with Santa, children crafts and poinsettias for sale by Kepler Group Landscape. Organizers are currently working to add photo backgrounds. The event will also include live storefront displays with and many downtown businesses will have open houses and special hours.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.