BOUNTIFUL—What’s more fun to add to the holiday season than gliding along the ice in the crisp winter air under Christmas lights? The Bountiful ice ribbon opened last week in Town Square and families are already coming out to enjoy it together. 

“The ribbon is unique to Utah,” said Bountiful City Manager Gary Hill. “We did some independent research to find something that looked fun in the winter. We saw a natural outdoor ice trail in Canada. So we knew it was feasible and they do exist. Herriman had just finished theirs that summer.”

Hill said the city was trying to do something meaningful that would invite people to come downtown. “The idea started in 2014-2015. We wanted something suitable for all ages that would bring people to the businesses and our historic downtown.”

The water feature at Town Square was great but the city wanted something that could be used in the winter, he said. “The Rec Center has a rink. We wanted to create a path opposed to a rink that lets people experience something different than at the Rec. Something complementary. We didn’t want to compete with the Rec Center.”

The vision continued through 2016-2017 and the partnership was final in 2018 and then it was off to the races with construction, he said. “It opened on Dec. 5, 2020. The first year operation exceeded what they’d hoped for, even though there were sign ups because of COVID and they limited the number of people on the ice.” 

Funding for the ribbon comes mostly from the city’s RAP tax, said Hill. “Bountiful City paid to have it built and the Rec takes on the revenue to pay for all the operating costs. Any capital improvements are split 50/50 for things that need replacing.”

The 8,000 square foot ice ribbon requires a lot of maintenance. “A week to two weeks before it opens we go out at night to lay water with a large hose,” said South Davis Recreation Executive Director Tif Miller. “We make small layers to get it to a certain level. We’ll make it thicker as it gets colder and we can make ice.”

They use a smaller resurfacer that can make the turns easier, he said. “We go over it to smooth it out multiple times a night as many times as we need to depending on the crowd.”

There is some permanent lighting and a sound system, said Hill. “The lights can project things that move around like snowflakes. The Parks Department decorates the trees and shrubs with lights to make it feel festive.”

The feedback from businesses has been really positive, he said. “Everything we’ve heard has been very complimentary. The Rec ice rink has to accommodate other things like hockey, ice skating lessons, figure skating, etc. This gives people something fun to do.”

Ice ribbon hours are Monday – Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 2-7 p.m. “There will be longer hours while school’s out (for winter break),” said Hill. 

Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for kids. Skate rentals are available for $3. South Davis Recreation Center pass holders get a discount of $3 for adults and $2.50 for children.

“We’re thrilled that the community has responded so well to the City’s plan,” Hill said, “To provide a recreational opportunity and invite people to our historic downtown.”