Expect to see crowds at The Ice at Park Place, one of Leawood’s most popular winter venuesOn a warm sunny day, the ice rink at Town Center is filled with students and parents on  winter break, enjoying the open ice. This winter has been warm so far. With highs around 55 degrees, jackets are not required. Manager Paul Wiseman watches as water begins to accumulate on the surface of the ice; it’s his job to make sure ice conditions are appropriate for skating.

“On a day like today we can’t do anything about the water obviously. It’s 60 degrees outside,” Wiseman said. “That’s the main challenge, making sure the ice is stable everyday.”

Wiseman does a number of jobs around the rink: acting as a handyman, sharpening skates, cleaning off the ice, driving the Zamboni and taking care of patrons’ special requests are just a few of the responsibilities Wiseman has as a manager. After both skating and working at ice rinks, Wiseman says the best thing is still driving the Zamboni.

“It’s really a fun thing to do,” Wiseman said. “The kids love watching it, so it’s fun. Most enjoyable thing for sure.”

The best memories during his career, Wiseman says, have been with his co-workers when they aren’t working.

“Sunday nights, we close early at 8 and we play pickup hockey out here,” Wiseman said. “That’s probably where the best memories are made. Just kinda not working, but playing hockey out here on the ice. It’s always fun. This is a pretty relaxed job.”FEES:

Admission: $8 (all ages)

Skate Rental: $3 (but you’re welcome to bring your own skates!)

Winter Schedule:

Wednesday, January 5 – Monday, January 18

Monday-Thursday: Closed (*January 19 open 11am-9pm)

Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm

Sunday: 12-8pm

*The Ice will be open on the following special days:

Thanksgiving Day: 11am-10pm

Christmas Eve: 11am-10pm

Christmas Day: 11am-10pm

New Year’s Eve: 11am-10pm

New Year’s Day: 11am-10pm

Martin Luther King Day (Mon, 1/19): 11am-9pm