Skate Away Hunger in Jack London Square This October

Oakland, CA – Palm trees and ice skating aren’t often mentioned in the same breath.  For the month of October, however, visitors to Jack London Square will see this unusual combination side by side. Throughout the month, Jack London Square will offer ice skating on the Oakland waterfront beneath a grove of swaying palms.  For each skater, Jack London Square will make a contribution to Alameda County Meals on Wheels.

“Outdoor skating is a wonderful tradition that gives families a chance to exercise and enjoy the fresh air.  Why should it be limited to just the holiday season?” said Jim Ellis, Managing Principal of Ellis Partners LLC which, along with Transbay Holdings LLC, is undertaking a $375 million redevelopment of Jack London Square.  “The experience is that much more meaningful when you have the opportunity to help those in need.  You can feel good and do good at the same time.”

Taking advantage of the latest in technology, Jack London Square will offer ice skating on a full-sized “Hybrid-Ice” rink.  An ice substitute, Hybrid-Ice feels identical to traditional ice but can be used in any weather.  Because it requires no refrigeration and consumes no power, Hybrid-Ice is an environmentally friendly recreational opportunity.
Adults and children of all ages are invited to skate in Jack London Square.  Skate rentals and admission to the rink will cost only $5.  The rink will be open Monday through Saturday 12 PM to 8 PM and from 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays with sessions starting each half hour.  Special programs will take place on October 1stduring Full Moon Buy Night, an open-air night market, and on Halloween as well.  Between 4 PM and 6 PM each Monday, all skaters will take to the ice for free. Friday nights will feature live music and on weekends, skaters will strut the ice to theme music such as “disco,” “aloha,” and “country.”  For a full schedule, visitwww.jacklondonsquare.com
Jack London Square will make a donation on behalf of every skater to Alameda County Meals on Wheels.  Meals on Wheels enables frail elders to maintain their independence at home by providing them with high quality, nutritious meals.  Every weekday, the organization delivers 2,200 warm meals to homebound seniors throughout the county.
“It takes an effort from the entire community to fight hunger,” said Cindy Houts, executive director of Alameda County Meals on Wheels.  “This is a wonderful way for neighbors to come together and have fun while helping those in need.  We can’t wait to lace up our skates.”
At a Glance
What:  Skate Away Hunger to Benefit Alameda County Meals on Wheels, Ice Skating
Where: Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakland
Dates:  October 1st – October 31st
Times: Monday – Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM;  Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm;  Sessions begin each half hour
Special Programs:  October 1:  Full Moon Buy Night – A Night Bazaar, Skating from 1:30 pm – 9:30 pm;October 31: Halloween, Skating from10 AM – 6 PM,Costume Contest throughout the day; Mondays:  Skate for free 4PM to 6PM; Fridays:  Live Music; Saturdays and Sundays: Theme music
Cost:  $5.00 per session (includes skate rentals); Free session to you with any same-day receipt of $10.00 or more from any Jack London Square restaurant; For each skater, Jack London Square will make a donation to Alameda County Meals on Wheels.
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Jack London Square:
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.jacklondonsquare.com
Alameda County Meals on Wheels:
For more information or to volunteer, visit www.feedingseniors.org