Roselle Town Center Plaza Ice Skating Rink Grand Opening December 13

The new synthetic ice skating rink in the Town Center Plaza at the corner of Main and Prospect Streets in Roselle will officially open on December 13, 2010, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Residents of all ages are welcome to attend the grand opening and stay for an evening of family fun on the artificial ice skating surface.

The unique and eco-friendly rink surface is constructed of a plastic polymer material that does not require water or freezing temperatures. The surface is best enjoyed with freshly sharpened skates. Residents should bring their own skates, as skate rental is not available at the rink. The Town Center Plaza Ice Skating Rink will be open through January 31, 2011, Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The installation of the rink, which is removable and can be reinstalled at any time, (even in the summer months) is the final part of a renovation project to the Town Center Plaza, formerly a vacant lot. Renovation of the lot, located in the Village's Town Center Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, was funded with revenues derived from the TIF, along with a $50,000 donation from Richard and Anni Janke.

A TIF district is a financing mechanism that municipalities use as a tool to spur redevelopment and community improvement projects. The TIF financing strategy allows for the financing of these projects without raising local taxes. The spending of TIF funds is regulated by Illinois law, and is generally limited to development projects. The Village may not spend TIF funds for operating costs, such as employee salaries and benefits.