December 1, 2023
Continuing 40-year commitment to provide Western New Yorkers opportunities to live happier and healthier lives
Buffalo, N.Y. — Evergreen Health is presenting the 2023-24 Rotary Rink free ice-skating season, in partnership with Buffalo Place, to ensure Western New Yorkers have access to healthy activities in the heart of downtown Buffalo throughout the winter season. The free ice-skating season officially kicks off during the Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 9, 2023, and will run through Sunday, March 17, 2024, weather dependent.
To ensure access for all, the healthcare organization will offer free ice skate rentals during First Free Wednesdays, including January 3, February 7, and March 6. Additionally, Wednesday, January 10th, will also be a First Free Wednesday, as a make-up from the December promotion, which was canceled due to warm weather conditions. There is no cost associated with skating on the ice, and skaters are welcome to bring their own skates. Ice skate rentals are available for $2 for children and $3 for adults.
Yesterday, Thursday, November 30, Evergreen Health was honored to celebrate 40 years of serving Western New York and hosted an ice-skating and social hour party on its actual birthday for employees, and their family and friends, to show appreciation for their dedication to all patients.
“We are proud to sponsor the Rotary Rink ice-skating season for the first time to provide access for Western New Yorkers to stay active during the colder months and have fun doing so,” said Ray Ganoe, President and CEO, Evergreen Health. “Evergreen Health is honored to have served the community for 40 years beginning as a group of volunteers in 1983 on the front lines of the HIV and AIDS crisis, and evolving to a healthcare organization where anyone can receive unconditional medical, supportive, and behavioral health services. We were so excited to have our employees gather as one team to celebrate each other at the birthday party.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Buffalo Place, thank you to Evergreen Health for their support and Presenting Sponsorship of the 2023-24 free ice-skating season at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza,” said Michael T. Schmand, Executive Director, Buffalo Place Inc. He continued, “This is the 25th year that Buffalo Place has managed Fountain Plaza and Rotary Rink, a beautiful public space, on behalf of the city of Buffalo. We are delighted to be working with Evergreen Health to offer families from across Western New York free ice-skating surrounded by world renown architecture in the heart of downtown Buffalo.”
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza Hours of Operation
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday — Friday: 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.; 5 p.m. —9 p.m. (*Closed 2 — 5 p.m.)
Saturday: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Holiday Hours
December 24: 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
December 25: CLOSED
December 26 — 29: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.
December 31: 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
January 1: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.
January 15: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.
February 19 — 23: 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Additional Information
Western New Yorkers interested in skating at Rotary Rink this season do not need a reservation and are welcome on a first come first serve basis. Skate rentals end 30 minutes before closing. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the Rotary Rink concession stand.
Rotary Rink is weather dependent. If the air temperature reaches 45 degrees, please call (716) 854-RINK or (716) 856-3150 to check the rink’s status before you come Downtown to skate. Visit the Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza Facebook page for additional information.
For more information about the 2023-23 Rotary Rink season’s hours of operation, please visit https://www.buffaloplace.com/play/our-events/#rotaryrink. For more information about Evergreen Health, visit www.evergreenhs.org.