Ice Skating Rink

Location:	Ohio
Posted:	Aug 10, 2026
Due:	Aug 14, 2026
Agency:	City of Dublin
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	89 - Subsistence (Food)
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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City of Dublin

Ice Rink RFP

Questions & Answers

In the Introduction under General Information, it mentions “Purchase.”

Can you conﬁrm whether the equipment is to be purchased or rented?

The intent of this requirement is to ensure that the selected operator provides all

equipment necessary to support safe, eƯicient, and comprehensive ice rink operations.

This includes, but is not limited to, equipment required for ice maintenance, facility

operations, and patron services. The City is not prescribing the method of acquisition;

rather, the responsibility rests with the operator to determine the most eƯective approach

based on their business model and operational expertise. Equipment may be rented,

leased, or purchased at the operator’s discretion, provided all equipment meets applicable

industry standards and is suƯicient to deliver high-quality operations throughout the term

of the agreement.

Is there a preferred location for the ice mat header? Would you prefer it

along the 50-foot side or the 100-foot side of the rink?

To accommodate the Christkindlmarkt layout, the preferred conﬁguration is to align the ice

mat header along the 50-foot side of the rink.

Do you have any drawings, site plans, or photos from last season’s

installation that you can share?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEYDqoqJRHY/

The RFP states the rink must be a minimum of 40' x 80'. What is the

preferred rink size, and how much space is available if we propose a

larger rink?

Based on the currently available space within the plaza, the maximum feasible ice rink size

is approximately 40 feet by 80 feet. This reﬂects existing site constraints, including

circulation requirements and adjacent programming. Opportunities for future expansion

are tied to broader master planning eƯorts for Riverside Crossing Park. Any increase in rink

size would be contingent upon either (1) expansion of the plaza area through future capital

improvements or (2) relocation of the rink to an alternative location within the park that can

accommodate a larger footprint. These considerations are also closely aligned with the

long-term vision and growth of the Christkindlmarkt, as expansion of the event footprint

may necessitate reconﬁguration of the rink location or supporting infrastructure.

What is the subsurface beneath the rink, and what is the slope? Who is

responsible for providing a level surface?

The subsurface of the rink consists of a concrete base with brick pavers, providing a stable

and suitable foundation capable of accommodating the level surface required for seasonal

ice rink installation. The existing base supports the structural integrity and uniformity

needed to ensure proper ice formation and maintenance without signiﬁcant modiﬁcation

under current conditions.

Who is responsible for overnight security, site lighting, and any temporary

structures?

Overnight security is generally supported through a network of security cameras that are

accessible to and monitored by the City of Dublin Police Department. The site also

incorporates ambient lighting elements, including illuminated trees consistent with

seasonal aesthetics, contributing to overall visibility and deterrence. All temporary

structures associated with rink operations and related programming—including

installation, maintenance, and removal—shall be the responsibility of the operator.

Where will the chiller be located? Will it need to be removed from the

trailer using a forklift or crane?

Historically, the chiller unit has been positioned on the north end of the ice rink and

installed using crane and forklift equipment. This location has proven functional, providing

appropriate access for installation, removal, and connection to rink systems.

Once the advance setup is complete, when will we have access to the site

to ﬁnish the installation before opening?

The operator will be provided access to the site for installation and operational preparation.

It is the intent that the majority of rink equipment and associated infrastructure be

delivered and installed in advance of the Christkindlmarkt setup. This sequencing is

intended to minimize conﬂicts, ensure eƯicient site coordination, and support timely

readiness for both rink operations and event activities.

What is the anticipated timeline for awarding the contract?

The estimated timeline for awarding the contract is August 21, 2026.

Do you have any historical ﬁnancials around attendance?

The ice rink at Riverside Crossing Park has been operated by a third-party vendor for the

past four seasons, with estimated attendance averaging approximately 7,000 visits per

year. With the introduction of the Christkindlmarkt this season, attendance is anticipated

to increase; however, projections remain variable and are largely dependent on weather

conditions and other external factors.

What was your skater attendance for the last 2 years? What do you project

for 2026–27?

The ice rink at Riverside Crossing Park has been operated by a third-party vendor for the

past four seasons, with estimated attendance averaging approximately 7,000 visits per

year. With the introduction of the Christkindlmarkt this season, attendance is anticipated

to increase; however, projections remain variable and are largely dependent on weather

conditions and other external factors.

Do you provide benches for the skate change area?

The designated skate change area is part of the operator’s scope and responsibility,

including the provision and maintenance of benches and protective matting to cover the

brick paver surface.

Where is the water source located?

The water source is located immediately west of the rink area and is equipped with freeze

protection measures to ensure availability and functionality during winter operations.

I see that the rink may encroach onto the grass from the concrete area. Is

that a smooth/ﬂat transition from grass to concrete?

The ice rink footprint does not encroach onto adjacent grass areas. While the rink liner has

historically extended slightly beyond the rink perimeter onto the grass, this condition is

minimal and does not require transition treatments or edge protection measures.

Is the concrete area ﬂat (within a 3" grade) and free of any storm drains or

other obstacles? Any pictures of the area would be helpful.

The plaza area designated for the ice rink is a level, unobstructed surface and does not

contain features that would interfere with rink installation or operation.

Is there nearby parking for staƯ? Would the City provide a complimentary

parking pass for all staƯ?

There is ample public parking available along Riverside Drive and within nearby public

parking garages. These facilities are available for public use and do not require payment.

What are your preferred hours of operation by day?

The typical operating schedule for the ice rink has been Friday through Sunday, with

additional hours added during holiday periods to maximize attendance and community

use. The operator is expected to evaluate demand, weather conditions, special events, and

seasonal visitation patterns when determining opportunities to extend hours. Expanding

operations during peak holiday periods aligns with the business objective of maximizing

utilization, increasing participation, and enhancing the overall visitor experience while

balancing operational costs and staƯing requirements.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Ice Skating Rink

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See also