Quito welcomes the holidays with an Ice Rink

Quito, Ecuador – The ice skating rink “Palacio del Hielo” is the best rink of its kind in South America due to its size and quality of ice, as well as its strategic location. Provides skating to the public and has a skating school with renowned skating professionals who work as instructors, for students from 5 to 50.

The pandemic has affected people all over the world, limiting outdoor activities. With the holidays around the corne, Paseo San Francisco, one of the most popular malls, located in the heart of the valley, had the idea of using their salons and events space for an ice rink. This has not only been for families and friends to enjoy but to keep prevent people from getting Covid.

 After 8 months of lockdown where families had limited access to the outside world, they can have fun with their significant others. Paseo San Francisco opened their doors for the public on November 1st, making sure they people follow all recommended security procedures. The rink is located in the sub-level of the mall and for the public to use it they need to have to spend at least five-dollars. Then they get two free passes and half an hour to skate.

Jose Alvarado is a member of the staff. He says, “People come here to enjoy themselves. We help them out with the family pictures and getting their skates on. Also, we make sure everyone respects the protocols for health security.”

Paseo San Francisco offers more than just the rink; it offers a unique experience with the family with a big screen that shares photos of previous experiences at the rink. Also, Christmas carols sung by a group of women who come between 4 and 5 pm during weekdays.

At the entrance safety protocols are enforced. The place is filled with decorations, there are big angels ornaments in white and platinum colors. On one side of the rink there are a set of ARE tables for the family members to wait for their turn. Also there are big Christmas trees with little gifts. The snow is always falling in the centre of the rink, at the back a  big shelf of skates is located  for people to borrow and get assistance if needed.

The rink for skating has brought Ecuadorians together to celebrate the holidays in a safe environment. It’s open for the public from  Mondays to Sundays, from 2-8 pm.

 

After a month of being open the ice rink is a total success bringing happiness and hope back to Ecuadorians who are experiencing a tough year due to the pandemic. Also, it has brought  jobs back to those in need by letting recent graduates participate as instructors or staff in the rink.

“My daughter is so excited to come and skate. I feel like it is so good for her to be able to enjoy herself, plus I get a little break too,” said Rocio Paredes.