Saturday, November 16, 2024 was the opening of the Outlaw Square rink. It’s not your usual ice rink. Deadwood’s rink is a “glice rink”
Bobby Rock, the director of Outlaw Square told us it’s very similar to ice. If you’ve skated before it won’t take much of an adjustment, and even if you haven’t it won’t take much time to get the hang of. However, this rink is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Many are still surprised it’s there. Bobby Rock said, “That there in the middle of Deadwood. That’s what we hear the most. ‘oh my gosh there’s a rink in the middle of Deadwood. And then they find out it’s not real ice. There’s a little hesitancy there. But once they get out here on the ice bumper cars or skating, it’s a great time.”
Ice bumper cars get a lot of attention while the rink is open. “The ice bumper cars are like, well if you’re familiar with water bumper boats, you get in the bumper boats and crash into everybody. Well, this is the same concept. 6-foot tube around you, it’s run on electric batteries, it’s on wheels on the Glice right here at Outlaw Square. You can crash into each other. Have a great time crashing into your brother, sister, mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa. It’s just a fun family activity to come on down and have fun with that.”
The rink stays open until the last weekend in April. Since it’s not real ice, the weather is not a contributing factor. So even on those warm days this winter, the rink in Outlaw Square is still an option for family fun.