Historical November 1984 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Steinberg Memorial Skating Rink is set to open its 27th ice skating season on Saturday, Nov. 10. Greeting skaters will be some modest but welcome improvements.
The sound system speakers have been newly refurbished, several thousand dollars in new rental skates are being purchased, and some repairs to the building’s exterior have been made. Times, fees, and rink services in effect this season can be found opposite this article in an easy clip-out format which can be saved and posted.
In addition to the “official” opening, this year there will be a formal, grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 2. Called “Homecoming,” this special event serves to remind St. Louisans of past good times at the rink and to invite them to reacquaint themselves with the experience of open air skating amidst the beauty of Forest Park.
In a return to rink tradition, the afternoon skating session on grand opening day will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring several local celebrities.
Two local bands will provide live music for the skaters.
The evening session will offer a unique experience: spotlight skating.
All skaters will be eligible for door prizes.
The “Homecoming” program highlights the commitment of the still-young Advisory Board of the Steinberg Memorial Skating Rink.
The brainchild of Tom Lyles, rink manager, the Board was founded early last spring as a means of involving the private sector in arresting the decline of the rink as a recreational resource.
As outlined by Board chairman Tom Zobel in letters addressed to the Mayor’s office, the Board of Aldermen, and other city officials, the Board’s goals are two fold: first, to heighten public awareness of the rink through publicity and special events; second, to raise funds among individuals and the business community to augment the limited funds budgeted for the rink. Monthly meetings held over the summer saw the Board grow to twenty-two members and the laying out of an organizational framework.
During the August meeting, the Board met with Pearse Mullally, Special Assistant to the Mayor; George Kinsey, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; and Gene Brostoski, Commissioner of Recreation.
The current condition and operation of the rink were discussed and the concept of a “Friends” organization was presented. Establishing the “Friends of Steinberg Rink” is currently the Board’s major activity.
The “Friends” is patterned after the private groups which support the nearby Art Museum, Zoo, and Planetarium.
A professionally designed logo has been donated to the Board and will soon be featured on T-shirts for public sale.
A brochure describing the organization has been prepared for distribution this month. Membership categories for the Friends include Associate, Student, Senior Skater, Single, Family, and Corporate.
Each member will receive a certificate and have his or her name entered in a registry to be displayed at the rink. Other benefits are offered for specific membership categories.
The honor of being the first Friend will go to Mayor Vince Schoemehl. Those interested in joining the Friends or the Advisory Board, donating services and materials to the rink, or having a suggestion for improving the rink, may write to: Steinberg Memorial Skating Rink Advisory Board, P.O. Box 752, St. Louis, Missouri 63188.
Original photograph caption
Steinberg Memorial Skating Rink schedule and fees. Logo by Willem Petri. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1984, page 7. Historical 1984 schedule and prices.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1984.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source calls December 2 a Saturday; calendar date in 1984 was Sunday. Original wording retained for editorial review.
Original source: SD_Times1984_11.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
