An exciting opportunity awaits community members next week as they can participate in a complimentary pop-up ice-skating event featuring renowned figure skaters Ting Cui and Emmanuel Savary.
This engaging event is set to happen on February 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Middle Branch Park. Attendees will not only enjoy special appearances by Cui and Savary but will also have access to free ice skating, skate rentals, art activities, pony rides for children, and a selection of food and drink vendors.
Liz Cornish, Deputy Director of Programs at the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, shared, “This annual event underscores our shared dedication to establishing Middle Branch Park as a year-round attraction. By providing inclusive programming, we are bringing neighbors together and reinforcing our South Baltimore communities.”
The skating experience will take place on a synthetic ice rink, rather than traditional frozen ice. This pop-up gathering is part of the Youth Resiliency Institute’s third annual winter event celebrating South Baltimore’s waterfront.
Fanon Hill, executive director and co-founder of the Youth Resiliency Institute, emphasized the park’s unique charm: “Middle Branch Park is one of Baltimore’s most cherished waterfront locations, and this event invites families to engage with it in a fresh way during the winter months. With free skating and various arts and cultural activities, we’re enhancing access to outdoor recreation while fostering joyful community moments. We’re particularly lucky to have two U.S. champion figure skaters here to entertain and inspire attendees.”
Ting Cui, a Baltimore native and Towson High School alumna, earned a bronze medal at the 2019 World Junior Championships and represents Team USA in figure skating.
Cui remarked, “I didn’t have easy access to skating as a child; I was fortunate that someone opened a door for me. That pivotal support transformed my life. Through this event, and with the help of Gainbridge Assists Powered by Parity, I’m honored to help provide access for talented Baltimore youth who are often faced with obstacles to their opportunities,” she stated.
Emmanuel Savary, hailing from Delaware, is a two-time U.S. National figure skating medalist and a competitor for Team USA.
Savary expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “This pop-up skating event holds great significance for me because it allows me to perform for young people and hopefully encourage them to take up skating.”
The event is made possible through the support of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, and Reimagine Middle Branch.
