Red Arrow Park's ice rink is becoming a roller-skating rink through the end of September. Here's what to know.

Red Arrow Park's ice rink will become a public roller-skating rink from the beginning of May through the end of September, according to the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.

For years, Ellen Fine, her partner Terrence Clarke and other members of the city's roller-skating community have been advocating for it.

"I'm still kind of in shock," Fine said. "We are so excited. That rink that's been there for so long has been unused for the roller-skating community for so many years. And, I just can't wait to see what happens."

The roller-skating rink is free to use and open daily, weather permitting, Peter Bratt, director of operations and skilled trades for Parks, Recreation and Culture, told the Journal Sentinel in an email.

Roll Train MKE, founded by Fine and Clarke, and the Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District No. 21, have partnered to put on Summer Spinz, a monthly community roller-skating series at the rink that will include free lessons, DJ sets and more.

Roll Train offers workout classes similar to Zumba or line dancing but on skates, Fine said.

Here's what to know about roller-skating at Red Arrow, from its hours and rules to more on Summer Spinz.

Where is the roller-skating rink located?

Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St., Milwaukee.

When is roller-skating rink open?

The roller-skating rink is open from May 1 to Sept. 30.

Its hours are noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

"When weather conditions do not permit skating, the rink will remain closed," Bratt said in an email.

Do I need to bring my own roller skates?

Yes, participants need to bring their own roller skates. And, they must be non-marking/non-marring, Bratt said. Roller skates aren't available for rent at the rink.

Inline skates, like Rollerblades, aren't permitted.

Will the roller-skating rink be staffed?

The rink will be staffed by an attendant, who will keep track of attendance and do general maintenance on the rink and within the park, Bratt said.

The roller-skating rink's rules

These are the rules of the rink, according to Bratt:

• Only approved skates are allowed on the rink (all skates and brakes must be non-marking/non-marring).

• No skateboards, bicycles or inline skates are permitted.

• Participants must follow all skate attendant directions.

• Everyone on the rink must be wearing skates.

• No food, drinks or smoking is allowed on the rink or near the railings.

• Skaters and spectators assume all inherent risks and responsibilities.

A community roller-skating series with food trucks, free lessons, DJ sets and more

Summer Spinz will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18, according to a news release from BID No. 21. It's a part of a Summer in the City campaign, in which the BID and partner organizations coordinate free downtown Milwaukee events.

On the three dates, free roller-skating lessons will be given from 5 to 6 p.m. and a family hour will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. There will also be nightly DJ sets and food trucks.

The theme for June 16 will be Pride Night, with DJ Shawna, the Bucks' DJ and producer, spinning tunes from 7 to 9 p.m. Additional details for the other dates will be announced soon, the news release said.

Fine hopes Roll Train will be able to put on additional programming at the rink this summer.

Why advocates wanted Red Arrow for roller skating

Red Arrow's location at the center of the city is why Fine and others wanted to see a roller rink there, Fine said.

It's a good way to draw more people downtown, especially following the pandemic, and bring the community together, she said. It's also an activity that's both kid-friendly and doesn't involve drinking, she noted.

"Slice of Ice is there in the winter-time, and we just felt like that was a place where the roller-skating community should also have a presence during the summer months," she said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Red Arrow Park's ice rink being used as roller-skating rink for summer