Ice rink brings holiday spirit to downtown

Tis’ the season in Culver City and the debut of the Holiday Ice Rink is the perfect addition to the festive plaza.

The rink, nestled in the trendy downtown district and surrounded by shops and restaurants, opened last Tuesday.

Hannah “Pinky” Lees, Cloth and Hair Technical Director with Sony Imageworks, has become a lunchtime regular.

“I was the first person here when they opened and I come several times a week on my lunch break,” said Lees.

The idea to have a Holiday Ice Rink in Culver City is the brainchild of two time Olympian skater Willy Bietak and his wife Cathy.

The couple frequent downtown Culver City—the restaurants, the movie theater, and the galleries. It’s a favorite spot for their weekly date nights.

Five months ago, while strolling along Culver City Plaza, Bietak saw the open lot in front of the Culver Hotel. (Parcel B)

“That would be the perfect spot for a Holiday Ice Rink,” Bietak said to his wife.

Following his retirement from competitive skating, Bietak founded Willy Bietak Productions, a production company that produces skating events and provides temporary ice rinks for events.

Bietak began the footwork introducing himself to Seth Horowitz, General Manager of the Culver Hotel.

Horowitz loved the idea and the Culver Hotel became a sponsor. He introduced Bietak to the Culver City Council and the Culver City Downtown Association; the idea of bringing a holiday rink to the plaza was born.

“It’s nice because it’s the time of year, during the holidays, when everyone wants to do something festive. Culver City is the perfect location for the ice rink,” said Lees.

With MelroseMac, Square, and California Pizza Kitchen as the main sponsors, the Culver City Downtown Association and Willy Bietak Productions combined resources to bring the stunning 50’X 90’ Holiday Ice Rink to Culver City and the extended community.

Special support comes from the Culver Studios who bring in the power and technical support from their Studio.

The Holiday Ice Rink is also spreading good tidings by hosting two special fundraising skating sessions in conjunction with the Culver City Education Foundation at 7 p.m. , Nov. 29 and Wednesday, Dec. 5.

One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization—dedicated to supporting and enhancing quality educational programs for every student in the Culver City Unified School District.

Students, teachers and the general public are all encouraged to take a spin on the ice, knowing that their outdoor recreation will help secure educational funding and resources.

The rink is an ideal winter wonderland escape for the Culver City community—healthy fun for everyone. Admission is $10, and kids 12 and under are $6. Skate rental is $4 and open everyday through Jan. 7, 2013.

Convenient parking is available at the Ince Parking Structure with the first two hours at no cost. Sessions run one-hour.

For more information and a detailed schedule of skate sessions and advanced ticket purchases go to: http://holidayicerinkculvercity.com/ or call 310.280.1067