Permanent Ice Rink To Be Built at Franciscan Square in Steubenville

Photo by Ross Gallabrese

While many people don't have a lot of positive memories from the COVID pandemic, the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, said something that happened three years ago on the temporary ice skating rink at Franciscan Square made a big impact on him.

"We had this scene -- people were playing, laughing, ice skating and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate," Pivonka said.

Those memories made it easy to support the construction of the Rink at Franciscan Square, a larger, permanent installation, he said Monday as plans for the project were announced during a press conference at the Best Western Plus Franciscan Inn.

Expected to be completed in August and ready for a season that will run from November through February, the $1 million ice rink will feature a permanent refrigeration system and more skating area than before.

"We are building a top-notch rink," said Phil Rook, director of real estate development at the university.

The 80-foot-by-64-foot skating surface will be about 60 percent larger than the previous temporary setup, he explained. It will be surrounded by a glass wall, feature stainless steel railing and will be professionally resurfaced by a Zamboni.

Trinity Health System will be the title sponsor, with additional support coming the Charles M. and Thelma Pugliese Charitable Foundation.

Local companies also will have a hand in the construction, Rook added.

"We will have local contractors doing the electrical work, the concrete work and the excavation work," he said, adding construction is scheduled to begin on May 15.

Operated through Good Venture Properties, the rink is expected to offer promotions in collaboration with Franciscan Square's tenants including the Best Western, Bennigan's, Rubi's Pizza and Grill and Brooklyn Bagel on the Square, the university said in a press release.

Rook said that when the skating season is over, the familiar green turf will be returned.

"We're looking to have more events there and draw even more people to the area," Rook continued.