Detroit Zoo's New Skating Rink Is Open Through February

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -- The Detroit Zoo has opened their new skating rink and it's about as close as you can get to the dream of hitting a triple Axel with penguins.

Just outside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center you'll find the 1,548-square-foot Winter Rink, which can accommodate 31 skaters, is open now through February 2017. Guests ages 4 and older can skate between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily (last session is sold at 3:30 p.m.), weather permitting. Skaters under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A limited number of skates are available for rent for $7, which includes a 25-minute skating session. The cost for guests who bring their own skates is $3. Personal skates must be inspected by the rink attendant to ensure proper sharpness; sharpening will be provided.

"This is a perfect fit for the season and another great reason for families to visit the Zoo during the winter," said Ron Kagan, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society.

The Winter Rink is not made of ice, but of a synthetic plastic known as Glice – a material composed of heat-pressed layers of polymers – so no water or electricity is required for operation.