Who better to teach science at the ice rink than OMSI?
Made by the Swiss company Glice, the new indoor synthetic ice rink at Portland’s Science Museum is composed of high-density polyethylene plastic. The chemical makeup of polymers similar to those in Glice, which are specifically designed to mimic the smoothness of ice and generate a low coefficient of friction, is displayed on a sign next to the new rink.
The museum’s first holiday event since ending its Gingerbread Adventures program during the pandemic is OMSI on Ice, which also features an indoor artificial ice rink for the first time.
April Abate, director of membership and visitor services at OMSI, stated, “With this route, we’re going for something a little bit different, a little bit more active, and still having that community vibe.”
Outside OMSI’s new indoor synthetic ice rink, which opens on Saturday, Nov. 23, are racks of ice skates.Meagher, Sean/The Oregonian
Additionally, OMSI has acquired the rink, so anticipate it being a yearly fixture.
This skating rink, which is 20 by 40 feet, is much smaller than the temporary outdoor ice rink at the west end of the Morrison Bridge, which measures 50 by 100 feet.
The rink is located inside OMSI’s auditorium, which has been transformed into a warm, festive space with Christmas lights. Board games and coloring pages have been set up on tables for kids too small to skate.
To improve gliding, lubricants are sprayed on the rink’s surface. OMSI employees were still honing that lubricant-to-Glice ratio on Friday at a preview day. During a demonstration, a staff member skated effortlessly, but this writer found it challenging because it didn’t glide as smoothly as actual ice.
You’ll do better at Lloyd Center if you want a real indoor ice skating experience. However, OMSI’s ice rink ought to be the answer if you’re trying to find a way to exhaust the kids on a chilly and wet day.
Through January 1, the skating rink is open for business during the majority of OMSI’s regular business hours. Online reservations are available for 30-minute time periods, with a maximum of 15 tickets per session.
Adult admission costs $9, seniors pay $8, children aged 5 to 13 pay $7, and OMSI members pay half price. (And starting on Nov. 23, OMSI memberships are 20% discounted if you’re considering purchasing one.)
Free skate rentals are included with admission to the rink. There are also ice skating supports provided. Visit atomsi.edu/exhibits/ice-rink to purchase tickets or learn more.
Are you trying to find somewhere else to ice skate? View our list of ice rinks in the Portland area.
Here is Oregon and The Oregonian/OregonLive are covered by Samantha Swindler. You may reach her at oregonian.com/sswindler.
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