Glide on Grove Gone: Downtown Ice Rink Update

Winter in Boise has always been a mix of cozy indoor activities, outdoor adventures, and seasonal traditions. From sledding at Camel’s Back Park to holiday markets, locals find ways to make the short, chilly days feel festive. For a brief but bright moment over the past two years, Glide on Grove became one of those special downtown winter experiences.

This synthetic ice rink, set up at Grove Plaza around the downtown holiday tree, offered free skating and rentals for everyone, from toddlers wobbling on tiny skates to seasoned enthusiasts looking for a downtown twist on winter fun. It was quick to become a family favorite, a photo-worthy backdrop, and a rare free downtown activity in the heart of the city.

Now, however, Glide on Grove is not returning for the 2025 holiday season, leaving locals wondering what’s next for Boise’s downtown winter traditions.

Let’s break down what happened, how the rink worked, what this means for Boise, and what alternatives exist for those looking to keep the winter magic alive.

The Rise and Fall of Glide on Grove

Glide on Grove first opened in downtown Boise a couple of years ago. Its mission was simple: bring free, family-friendly winter fun to the heart of the city without needing freezing temperatures or heavy maintenance.

The rink wasn’t made of real ice but a synthetic surface laid atop a wooden platform, wrapping around the downtown holiday tree. The design allowed Boise to enjoy skating vibes without relying on sub-zero weather perfect for a city where winter temperatures are mild compared to more northern climates.

The program started under the guidance of the Downtown Boise Foundation (DBF), a nonprofit linked to the downtown business association. DBF’s goal was to create attractions that drew residents and visitors downtown during the holiday season. By offering free skate rentals including helmets, Glide on Grove became an inclusive option for all ages, not just those who already had their own gear.

After its initial seasons, the rink’s operations were transferred to the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Department, signaling that it had become more than a temporary experiment. It had earned a spot in the city’s seasonal programming. Yet despite its popularity, city officials have confirmed there are no plans to revive the rink for 2025, leaving a gap in downtown’s winter offerings.

How Glide on Grove Worked: Skating Without the Freeze

If you’ve never experienced synthetic ice skating, it might sound unusual. But Glide on Grove was surprisingly authentic in feel.

The rink used interlocking plastic panels that mimic ice. Skates glide across the surface with enough friction to feel like ice but without the cold, water, or refrigeration usually required. This innovation meant:

• No need to worry about freezing or thawing temperatures

• Minimal risk of melted ice puddles or slippery hazards

• Lower maintenance than traditional rinks, though staff still needed to inspect and maintain the panels and surrounding area

Visitors could skate roughly from Thanksgiving through early January, with hours spanning afternoons and evenings. Whether you stopped by after work, during lunch breaks, or on weekend outings, Glide on Grove offered flexibility and a sense of community at the downtown Plaza.

The rink also doubled as a visual centerpiece. Surrounded by holiday lights, the tree, and nearby restaurants, it became a gathering spot for families, friends, and photographers capturing winter in Boise. It wasn’t just a recreational space, it was a festive, social hub.

Why the Cancellation Matters

So what does Glide on Grove’s cancellation mean for Boise? On the surface, it’s simply one fewer seasonal attraction. But the implications are broader:

1. Downtown Loses a Free Family-Friendly Tradition Boise doesn’t have a ton of free winter activities downtown, especially ones that are as interactive as skating. Glide on Grove offered exactly that: a way to experience the season without paying admission, making it accessible to families of all income levels.

Its absence will likely be felt most by:

• Families with young kids looking for safe winter entertainment

• Local groups seeking free outings

• Tourists hoping for a festive downtown experience

2. Fewer Options for Holiday Downtown Foot Traffic The rink also acted as a magnet, drawing people into the heart of the city during the holiday season. Shops, restaurants, and cafés benefited from increased foot traffic, especially for quick bites or casual shopping before or after skating. Without it, downtown businesses may see a small dip in seasonal visitors.

3. A Break in Boise’s Winter Identity Boise is building its winter identity slowly. While the city has snow sports nearby, a downtown synthetic ice rink offered a different, urban-flavored experience, skating in the middle of the city, under lights, amid holiday decor. Losing that alters the downtown winter landscape and may make Boise feel less festive to locals accustomed to the rink.

Why Glide on Grove Didn’t Return

The City of Boise hasn’t cited a single reason for the rink’s cancellation, but a few factors may have played a role:

Operational Costs Even synthetic ice requires staffing, setup, teardown, and ongoing maintenance. Providing free rentals and keeping the rink safe for all ages comes with overhead. While small, these costs can be a strain if funding isn’t consistent.

Transition in Oversight The rink originally fell under the Downtown Boise Foundation, which may have had different priorities or funding sources than the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. When the city took over, operational or budgetary considerations may have influenced the decision.

Community Demand vs Resource Allocation While popular, synthetic ice skating may not have reached the scale city officials expected to justify continued investment. Parks departments juggle competing demands, from playgrounds to trails to seasonal programming. Glide on Grove may have been a casualty of resource reallocation.

What Boise Residents Can Do Next

Even without Glide on Grove, winter doesn’t have to be a time for cabin fever. Boise has other options for festive outdoor fun:

Nearby Skating Alternatives

• Real ice rinks: Check out the Idaho IceWorld or seasonal rinks at other parks. These often require a small admission fee but provide a traditional skating experience.

• Private rinks: Some apartment complexes, hotels, or community centers may offer temporary setups or membership-based skating.

• 
  

Winter Events and Activities

• Tree lightings and holiday markets: Local neighborhoods still host festive lighting displays and small markets.

• Sledding and snow sports: Camel’s Back Park and other nearby hills are popular for snow tubing and sledding when the weather cooperates.

• Indoor recreation: Bowling, climbing gyms, and community centers often have winter programs for families.

Community Input Boise residents can also voice interest in bringing back Glide on Grove. City councils and Parks and Recreation departments often consider public feedback when planning seasonal events. If enough locals express a desire for a free downtown rink, it could influence future decisions.

Looking Forward: Was It Time to Move On?

Some might ask, did Glide on Grove have its time? Two seasons isn’t long for a community tradition, but sometimes seasonal events evolve or fade naturally.

On one hand:

• The rink brought something unique to downtown, and its disappearance leaves a noticeable gap.

• Families, photographers, and holiday enthusiasts may feel its absence.

On the other hand:

• The park and city may shift focus to other long-term winter programming.

• It may allow resources to go toward permanent infrastructure or events that serve more people year-round.

• Synthetic ice, while clever, has limitations compared to real ice in terms of experience and longevity.

Ultimately, Glide on Grove may return in some form, potentially updated, redesigned, or integrated into a larger winter event, but for now, Boise is adjusting to the change.

Final Thoughts: Winter Downtown Without Glide on Grove

For two seasons, Glide on Grove offered a little magic downtown: skating under the holiday tree, free rentals for families, and a space to gather during the festive season. Its cancellation for 2025 leaves downtown Boise with one fewer accessible winter option, reminding us how small initiatives can make a big difference in a city’s seasonal identity.

For locals and visitors, this is a moment to explore alternatives, support other winter activities, and maybe even advocate for the return of the rink in the future. Boise is a city that grows and changes fast, but small, inclusive traditions like Glide on Grove can leave a lasting impression, sometimes inspiring new traditions to take their place.