Downtown Development Association announces new plans for winter activities in addition to downtown ice rink

Dec. 30—GRAND FORKS — Outdoor curling, snow sculptures, snow domes and additional programmed events are some of the winter activities people can enjoy this season in addition to the First Community Credit Union Downtown Ice Rink located in Town Square, which opened to the public Dec. 29.

The activities form a new concept called Downtown Frosty Forks by the Downtown Development Association. It's a nod to both Grand Forks' and East Grand Forks' downtown areas.

Jill Proctor, chief operating officer of the DDA, said the initiative started this year.

"We're always looking at ways that we can keep the community active and healthy. That includes during the winter months," she said. "This fall we really took a strong look at what the ice rink does and how we can build on the momentum and the experience of the ice rink."

For the past eight years, the DDA has maintained and programmed the rink in Town Square. Proctor said bringing an ice rink downtown was one of the first goals of the organization.

Throughout the years, Proctor said she has seen more people utilize the rink. Some people have even used it for marriage proposals.

"It just offers this different experience than what any other rink in town can do because of the lights, the location — just the atmosphere," Proctor said.

When looking at winter activities beyond the rink, Proctor said the DDA brainstormed ideas on how to create connectivity between both downtowns and how to offer the most winter recreation benefits for the whole community.

Bringing in activities that are accessible to everyone was an important factor.

So far, the DDA has ordered a standard size curling lane from Street Curling, a company that specializes in making outdoor curling lanes. The DDA will work with a local talent to create snow sculptures, and Copilot Designs will make ice tables for people to utilize.

The DDA will update the public when the new amenities are open for use.

A grant in the amount of $34,500 was provided from the Knight Foundation Donor-Advised Fund through the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and the Region.

Funding also has come from a $1,500 vibrancy grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Funding from the Myra Foundation will assist with purchasing snow domes to create a warm place downtown

Additional sponsors include First Community Credit Union, Hugo's, Happy Harry's, Ideal Aerosmith Inc. and the city of Grand Forks.

In the future, Proctor said the DDA hopes to expand the winter activities offered. That includes a goal of continuing to create connectivity to downtown East Grand Forks, whether that's having an ice rink on the east side of the Red River as well.

"If it doesn't end up being a rink, that's fine. We just want it to be something that gets people out and healthy and walking around, even when it's cold outside," Proctor said.