Belvidere Betting on Tourism Downtown From New Ice Rink

BELVIDERE, Ill. (AP) — Leaders in Belvidere are hoping a planned ice rink will help boost downtown businesses.

The Riverside Ice Arena and warming house are scheduled to open in December at Doty Park. The Rockford Register Star reports that it was part of a $3 million update to the park. Construction started in the spring and it scheduled to be finished by the rink's Dec. 4 opening.

Park district officials say the rink will offer hockey leagues, skating lessons and open skating times.

Tom Lassandro is executive director of the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce. He says the rink should attract tourism and help local restaurants.