Community ice skating rink set up at Babe's in North Utica

Edward Harris, Observer-Dispatch
·1 min read
An ice-skating rink has been set up outside Babe's on North Genesee Street in Utica.
An ice-skating rink has been set up outside Babe's on North Genesee Street in Utica.
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Ice skating is now on the menu at Babe's at Harbor Point in North Utica.

Robert Esche, Utica Comets president and CEO of Mohawk Valley Garden, said the idea to add an ice-skating rink outside of the restaurant came about last year after the patio was built.

"When we built the patio last year and saw how well it was received, we wanted to do something in the winter months, and the rink was a natural fit," Esche said. "We have a great staff at Babes and the AUD, so we figured it would be seamless and cool. We realize the winters can be long and hard, and skating has always been something to do and enjoy during those months."

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Esche said the rink is open to anyone that wants to use it. There are no restrictions, beyond no sticks or pucks, he added.

Kids can go inside Babe's and warm up with a free cup of hot chocolate, Esche said.

A worker tends to the new ice-skating rink set up outside of Babe's on North Genesee Street in Utica.
A worker tends to the new ice-skating rink set up outside of Babe's on North Genesee Street in Utica.

"(There is) no real plan other than to have people enjoy the feeling of gliding across ice for free during the winter months," Esche said.

The rink will stay until it melts, he said.

Ed Harris is the Oneida County reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Ed Harris at EHarris1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Ice skating now on the menu at Babe's at Harbor Point in Utica