Popular downtown Modesto ice rink won’t return next year unless a new owner steps up
This could be the last season for the popular ice rink that has drawn more than 130,000 skaters to downtown Modesto since its first season in 2015.
The family that owns Modesto On Ice has moved to Idaho and needs to sell the business before the current season ends Jan. 20 if there is to be a sixth season for the rink in 2020.
Jerome and Andrea Murray are opening a seasonal ice rink in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Jerome Murray said they need the proceeds of selling Modesto On Ice for that or they will have to move the ice rink and other equipment to Coeur d’Alene.
“I hope so,” Jerome Murray said Monday about finding a buyer. “It would be sad if this was not coming back. It’s such a positive thing (for Modesto). For that to disappear is not what we want. It’s our baby. We built it for our kids and the community. For it to go away would be disappointing.”
The Murrays announced they could no longer operate Modesto On Ice beyond their current season in a Sunday message to the rink’s roughly 20,000 email subscribers. They thanked the community for its support and expressed optimism in finding a buyer.
Jerome Murray said they had a buyer lined up before making their announcement, but that fell through. He said the email has generated responses from several potential buyers.
The Murrays and their three daughters moved to Coeur d’Alene 2 1/2 years ago to be closer to family. Jerome Murray comes back to Modesto from November to January to run the rink, with his wife and daughters helping during holiday breaks.
He said the family knew they eventually would have to sell Modesto On Ice.
“My gut tells me it’s been great for downtown,” said Lynn Dickerson, CEO of the Gallo Center for the Arts, the downtown performing arts venue, and a Downtown Modesto Partnership board member. “It’s family friendly, wholesome.
“We with the downtown partnership love having it here. ... I’d be sad to see it go away. But I understand the dilemma they are in. Hopefully some entrepreneur steps forward and takes it on.”
The ice rink operates in a portion of the city parking lot at 11th and K streets. Modesto On Ice leases the space from the city for a nominal amount. The current season opened Nov. 23 and ends Jan. 20.
Jerome Murray said the rink has gotten off to strong start this season and expects it will draw about 34,000 skaters despite having eight and not the typical nine weeks this season.
The Murrays wrote that in addition to drawing more than 130,000 skaters, Modesto On Ice has had more than 100,000 family members, friends and other spectators.
Jerome Murray said serious, interested buyers can email him at modestoonice@gmail.com.
