Community members can attend a free pop-up ice-skating event next week with champion figure skaters Ting Cui and Emmanuel Savary.
The event will take place Feb. 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Middle Branch Park. In addition to special appearances by Cui and Savary, the event will also feature free ice skating and skate rentals, art activities, pony rides for kids, and vendors selling food and drinks.
“This annual event reflects our shared commitment to making Middle Branch Park a year-round destination,” said Liz Cornish, Deputy Director of Programs at South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, in a statement. “Inclusive programming like this brings neighbors together and strengthens South Baltimore communities.”
Skating will occur on a synthetic ice rink, not frozen. The pop-up event is part of the Youth Resiliency Institute’s 3rd annual winter activation of South Baltimore’s waterfront.
“Middle Branch Park is one of Baltimore’s most special waterfront spaces, and this event invites families to experience it in a new way during the winter,” said Fanon Hill, executive director and co-founder of the Youth Resiliency Institute, in a statement. “By offering free skating, arts and cultural activities, we’re expanding access to outdoor recreation and creating joyful community experiences. We’re especially fortunate to have two U.S. champion figure skaters perform and inspire the folks who come out.”
A Baltimore native and Towson High School graduate, Cui won the bronze medal at the 2019 World Junior Championships. She is figure skater for Team USA.
“I didn’t grow up skating because it was accessible—I skated because someone opened a door for me. That single act of support changed my life. Through this event, and with the support of Gainbridge Assists Powered by Parity, I’m proud to help create access for Baltimore youth who have talent and passion but too often face barriers to opportunity,” Cui said in a statement.
Savary is a two-time U.S. National figure skating medalist and Team USA competitor, who grew up in Delaware.
“This pop-up skating event is important to me because it allows me to perform for young people and hopefully inspire them to start skating,” Savary said in a statement.
The event is supported by the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, and Reimagine Middle Branch.
