Ice Skating at the Commons

The Marquette Commons and Plaza were originally built in 2005-2006 as a dedicated space for ice skating, complete with a warming room and infrastructure to support ice maintenance. At the time, copper piping was embedded in the concrete surface to eventually accommodate a compressor that would circulate refrigerant to stabilize the ice surface. However, the cost of such a compressor—estimated at $250,000 in the mid-2000s—was prohibitive, and it was not included in the original project.

Additional design challenges arose over time. The breezeway, intended to provide shelter for skaters, proved inadequate against the harsh winds from Lake Superior, leading to the installation of bay doors and locking double doors to improve the space’s usability. Later, some of the plaza’s original “figure eight” shape was altered, and bump-out areas were filled with concrete that lacked copper piping. These changes would create an uneven ice surface that would be difficult to maintain, even if a compressor were installed in the future. Additionally, the integrity of the original copper piping remains uncertain.

For several years, the DDA maintenance crew worked diligently to maintain an ice-skating surface, fully dependent on consistent winter weather. Warm or sunny days would melt the ice, requiring days of repair. The presence of street shoes, leaving footprints or salt, further compromised the surface, creating safety risks. Over time, the number of skateable days sharply declined. By 2019, the last year with an ice surface, there were fewer than two weeks of conditions suitable for skating. The significant time and effort required to prepare and maintain the rink became increasingly difficult to justify for such limited use.

The Marquette Commons has evolved into a multi-functional community space. While it was originally designed for winter activities, the site is now used year-round for events such as the Saturday Morning Farmers Market, the City Tree Lighting, the Yule Market, and private gatherings. Looking ahead, the DDA plans to reimagine the Commons and plaza to better accommodate its current uses and support placemaking initiatives that serve the entire community.