Evanston’s community center, Robert Crown, offers art and ballet courses and houses a full indoor track and gymnasium. Many people know the establishment as home to two full size ice rinks constantly used for figure skating lessons, hockey tournaments, and public skating. There is almost always someone on the rink, at least until recently. 

On Feb. 21, the City of Evanston sent out a news release informing Evanston residents of an unexpected mechanical error regarding the ice rinks at Robert Crown. In the release, they shared that, “[the] issue arose during routine maintenance performed by an outside vendor, which led to the loss of both ice sheets.” 

This setback took athletes out of practice and left coaches making quick decisions for their athletes.

Figure skater and ETHS freshman Bianca Procissi was impacted by the rink closures. Her practices were moved to other rinks in the area. 

“I have been going to other rinks like Twin Rinks, Centennial and Skatium,” explained Procissi, “I used this time to develop my ‘off-ice’ skills at home as well.”

While this unexpected issue was upsetting for athletes and community members who enjoy using the ice rinks, some embraced the change with a positive mindset. 

“It has been nice going to other rinks because it’s an opportunity to meet other skaters who I don’t see at Robert Crown,” said Procissi.

The City of Evanston’s second press release on Mar. 21 stated that, “If everything proceeds as planned, the goal is to begin preparing the ice for the first rink, with an anticipated completion date of late March.” 

On March 31, the rinks reopened, and all paused activities resumed the following Tuesday. It is still unclear what exactly happened to cause the mechanical error, but the City and community center are investigating the mishap. As for now, community members are eager to return to their activities on the Robert Crown rinks.