The Ribbon, supported by the Hylant Family Foundation, is a 1,000 foot loop trail featuring rolling hills and soft curves for a uniquely Metroparks winter ice skating experience. The Ribbon is connected to a 5,000 square foot skating pond that offers a traditional ice rink experience for beginners and a series of special events and programs.

Ice skating is available throughout the cold weather season with the inaugural skating season set to open in November 2023 through February 2024. Admissions and skate rental will be available at the Market Hall building located near The Ribbon.

Metroparks Announces Special Ribbon Preview!

The community is invited to be the first to skate at The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark during limited behind-the-scenes preview days this February. During this special preview, capacity will be limited and advanced reservations are highly recommended. Preview prices, including skate rental, are $8 for adults and $6 for children. The experience is free for children 3 and younger.

Click the link below to make your reservation. Click Here to view the skate size chart.

Reservations

Advanced Reservations Required.

Preview Event Map [download]

Reservations are SOLD OUT for the following dates:

Saturday, February 4
Saturday, February 11 (Reservations are still available for the February 11 Valentine’s Skate sessions Register)

Ice Skating Contact Information

Call 419-407-9717 or rinkmanagement@metroparkstoledo.com

Programs & Special Events

Valentine’s Skate at Glass City

Skate into Valentine's Day at Glass City's newest attraction! Bring yourself, your love, or your best buds to glide around the new ice skating ribbon under the night sky. Warm up with hot chocolate inside beautiful Market Hall and get a first look at what Glass City Metroparks Phase II has to offer. Make a tasty gourmet s'more, challenge yourself to love-inspired trivia and find out what your future holds with a game of MASH. Snap a pic at the selfie station to remember this night forever! Registration includes skate rental, Fee: $20 per person.

PARENT’S NIGHT OFF! (open to kids ages 5-12)

Located at the nearby Glass City Pavilion, our Kid’s Drop Off event will feature Metroparks staff taking kids, ages 5-12, to discover the fun of February and learn to love nature at Glass City Metropark while you enjoy a special Valentine’s skate at The Ribbon! Spend the evening exploring the wonders of winter wildlife and nighttime nature through education-based stations, including crafts, games and self-guided free play activities. Activities are continuous throughout the session. Drop-off and pick-up can take place anytime during your time slot, and you may sign up for one or both sessions. Registration to the Kid’s Drop Off event includes a dinner of cheese pizza and hot cocoa. Fee: $18 per child.

Saturday, February 11, 5 to 6:30 p.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register

Ribbon Preview Days Open Skate Information

Open Tuesdays through Sundays, February 4 through February 20, 2023. Advanced Registrations Required.

Reservations

About The Ribbon

The 1,000-foot long Ribbon is a paved, loop trail that is refrigerated in winter to provide 25,000-square-feet of ice skating surface with rolling hills and soft curves. It includes a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink called the Pond that is suitable for beginning skaters and events. Fourteen miles of tubing under the pavement supplies refrigerant to the surface, while a Zamboni ice resurfacing machine will maintain a smooth skating surface.

In warm weather, The Ribbon will be a multi-purpose trail that will be free to use for walking, roller skating and scooters.

During the winter, the site will be managed by Rink Management Services Corp., the largest operator of ice skating facilities in the U.S. The company operates a variety or sports facilities nationwide, including the ice ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.

Park Opening in Spring

A grand opening for the addition to Glass City Metropark is being planned for this spring. The park will include three, nature-themed playgrounds; a plaza for winter and summer activities; all-purpose trails for walking and bicycling; six cabanas beside The Ribbon that can be rented for small, private gatherings; and Market Hall. A restaurant operated by local company Poco Piatti will open in Market Hall when the park addition opens. A campground is expected to open in fall 2024.

Support The Ribbon

Partner with Metroparks Toledo to provide high-quality outdoor activities while generating awareness of your brand through unique opportunities. To discuss partnership opportunities please contact Ally Effler at 419-407-9708 or email Ally.Effler@metroparkstoledo.com.

Become a Metroparks Member

Become a Metroparks Member to support important Metroparks initiatives at The Ribbon and other programs throughout the district.

Join or Renew Today >

FAQs

Reserve your skating time in advance?

Preview dates will operate with limited capacities. Click Here to make your reservations. If you have additional questions about reservations, please contact the Market Hall Skate Rental office at 419-407-9717 or email rinkmanagement@metroparkstoledo.com during open hours (10:00 AM daily through 1 hour prior to the last session, from February 4 through 20). This is a special preview opportunity, The Ribbon will officially open for the full ice skating experience in November 2023.
How much does it cost to skate?

While the park is still under construction for this year's preview days, we will offer a special preview rate of $8 (ages 13+) or $6 (ages 3-12) that include both admission and skate rental. Penguin skate trainers are also available to rent for $5. This is a special preview opportunity, The Ribbon will officially open for the full ice skating experience in November 2023.
What types of payment are accepted at The Ribbon?

Rink Management Services will accept cash and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) at The Ribbon at Market Hall during the winter ice skating season.
Do we have to sign a waiver before skating?

Every skater must put on a wristband waiving liability before taking the ice.

Wristband language reads as:
Assumption of Risk and Release. I am aware that ice skating involves inherent risks, dangers and hazards which can result in serious personal injury or death. I hereby freely assume and accept any and all known and unknown risks of injury while skating at this ice rink and release owner, its management company, sponsors, their affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns from any liability whatsoever for bodily injury or property damage resulting from any negligent acts and omissions in the design, operation, supervision and maintenance of the ice rink. By wearing this wristband, I am agreeing to be bound by its terms
Do you offer group discounts?

While the park is still under construction for this year's preview days, we will offer a special preview rate to all guests of $8 (ages 13+) or $6 (ages 3-12) that include both admission and skate rental. Group rates will be considered for future seasons. The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark will officially open for the full experience in November 2023.
Where can we put our items while skating?

You can use our coin operated lockers at Market Hall to store your items safely while you skate. Lockers can be rented for 50 cents each. Metroparks Toledo is not responsible for any lost or stolen items if they are stored in locations other than the storage lockers at Market Hall.
What skate sizes are offered?

We will offer hockey skates (sizes Youth 10 through Adult 13) and figure skates (sizes Youth 8 through Adult 13). Click Here to see our size chart.
Where do I park?

1521 Front Street, Toledo, Ohio 43605

Market Hall and The Ribbon shares an entrance off of Front St. with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Upon entrance, stay to the left and park in the Market Hall parking lot for easy access to The Ribbon.

Preview Event Map
Will there be concessions available at The Ribbon?

During the special preview days, food and beverage service and options will be very limited. When the park officially opens this spring it will feature a full service fast casual restaurant operated by Poco Piatti inside Market Hall that will serve guests year round, including during the winter skating season. This is a special preview opportunity, The Ribbon will officially open for the full ice skating experience in November 2023.
What should we bring?

This is an outdoor winter skating experience. Please dress warm and we highly recommend wearing hats and gloves. All skaters must have socks and it is recommended to wear multiple pairs or one pair of thick, warm socks.
What are the hours of the Zamboni?

The Zamboni will typically resurface the ice every 90 minutes (weather depending) and will take about 30 minutes to complete.
What happens if there is inclement weather?

We will make every attempt to have The Ribbon open every day. In the case of a heavy snowstorm or heavy rain, we may have to have a delayed open or need to close The Ribbon if conditions are unsafe. In the case of delays or closures we will notify all guests at least one hour prior to your scheduled skating session if that session has been cancelled. If your session is cancelled you can reschedule your reservation for another date and time.
Do I need to make a reservation for a person who won't be skating?

No. Only guests who are ice skating will need to make a reservation. Those who are not ice skating can enjoy the park.
Can I rent a cabana in the Cabana Village?

Cabanas will not be available for rentals during the preview days, however, we welcome guests to visit them during your preview session this winter! The Cabana Village will open this spring when the park officially opens. This is a special preview opportunity, The Ribbon will officially open for the full ice skating experience in November 2023.
Can I rent the Glass City Ice Ribbon or skating pond for a private event?

While the park is still under construction for this year's preview days, we will not be offering private rentals. Private rental opportunities will be considered for future seasons. The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark will officially open for the full experience in November 2023.
Can I host a party at the Glass City Ice Ribbon?

The Ribbon will officially open for the full ice skating experience in November 2023. Check back for more information!
Are wheelchairs allowed on The Ribbon?

Yes! Metroparks will also invest in adaptive equipment like adaptive ice sleds when The Ribbon officially opens the full operation. The Ribbon will officially open for the full ice skating experience in November 2023.
When do I need to show up for my skating session?

All skating sessions are 90 minutes. If you arrive prior to your scheduled skating session you may rent your skates and wait for your session to begin. You can arrive anytime during your session.

FAQs

Reserve your skating time in advance?

How much does it cost to skate?

What types of payment are accepted at The Ribbon?

Do we have to sign a waiver before skating?

Do you offer group discounts?

Where can we put our items while skating?

What skate sizes are offered?

Where do I park?

Will there be concessions available at The Ribbon?

What should we bring?

What are the hours of the Zamboni?

What happens if there is inclement weather?

Do I need to make a reservation for a person who won't be skating?

Can I rent a cabana in the Cabana Village?

Can I rent the Glass City Ice Ribbon or skating pond for a private event?

Can I host a party at the Glass City Ice Ribbon?

Are wheelchairs allowed on The Ribbon?

When do I need to show up for my skating session?