South Bend Venues Parks & Arts has announces plans to open ice skate season at the Howard Park Ice Trail and Pond at 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27.

With the approval of the St. Joseph County Health Department, Howard Park will be implementing additional precautions this season.

• The Ice Trail and Ice Pond will be operating at approximately 40% capacity and limited to defined time blocks.
• Visitors must reserve skate times online in advance at visithowardpark.com to reduce lines and touchpoints. Tickets may be purchased beginning Monday, November 23.
• Masks will be required by all visitors at all times throughout the entire park.
• The indoor space will not be available to public skaters except for restroom usage.  Visitors are encouraged to dress warm and leave valuables at home. All skate changes will be made outdoors.
• According to state ordinance, visitors must be seated when consuming food and beverages.

For a full list of Howard Park staff and visitor precautions, please visit: https://visithowardpark.com/covid19/

As health officials continue to monitor the ongoing pandemic and its impact in our area, or in event that the St. Joseph County status changes, the will re-evaluate their operational plan.