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 Tinley Park residents (left to right) Ryan Staudacher, ... January 16, 2013
From slinging a frozen turkey across the ice to knock down pins to skating hand in hand, Orland Park's Winter Wonderland Ice Rink offers more than just a trip around the rink.
The rink, which opened in November and will be open through March 4, offers residents who love the outdoors a chance to lace up some skates and take a spin around the open-air rink inside Centennial Park.
In addition to ice skating, the Village's Recreation Department organizes several events to get residents out to the rink.
Ray Piattoni, Village of Orland Park's facility administrator, said that some events are traditional and some are new to the rink this year.
Turkey Bowling returns at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24. Participants are invited to bowl with a frozen turkey and also have an opportunity to win one.
Warmer weather may have forced the snowman building contest to be canceled Thursday, Jan. 10, Piattoni said they also added a Sweetheart Skate for Valentine's Day Thursday, Feb. 14, to this year's events.
"The rink has a romantic aspect, with the music, ice and lights," he said. "I thought it would be a good fit out there."
Light-up roses will also be available for purchase that evening.
One event that was added a couple years ago were the Saturday night campfires. The Village lights their fire pit from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Piattoni said people are encouraged to bring their own hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast at the bonfire.
"They've been well received," Piattoni said. "It looks really neat with the bonfire. People who go to the rink love being outside. It's just a chance to stand by the fire, get warm and enjoy the outdoors."
Friday and Saturday nights are the most popular nights at the rink, Piattoni said. Approximately 200-250 skaters come out over the weekend.
Those who come to the outdoor rink have all one obvious thing in common: they love to skate.
"We have a lot of people who like to ice skate," Piattoni said. "When we had our staff meeting and training, staff said the cold doesn't bother them. They just enjoy the sport and being outside."
Skates, available is sizes youth 10 to adult 13, are $2 to rent. Free helmet rental is also available. No hockey is allowed on the rink.
The rink and warming house is located at Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave. in Orland Park. The rink is open form sunrise to 9 p.m. The warming house is open from 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
For more information on weather closures, call (708) 403-6290 or visit www.orland-park.il.us.
What's on [and off] the ice at Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Below are a few events coming up at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, located at Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave., in Orland Park.
Family Campfires
6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturdays
Winter Follies - Turkey Bowling
7 p.m. Jan. 24. Turkey bowling is back by popular demand. Come out to bowl with a turkey for a chance to win a frozen turkey.
Winter Follies - Sweetheart Skate
6 p.m. Feb. 14. Enjoy a night of skating and hot chocolate with your sweetheart. Light-up roses will be available for purchase.
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