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Now Open!! The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink

 

Silver Spring Ice Skating Pavilion

'Tis the season to go ice-skating! Come skate at the Annual Ice-Skating Pavilion in Veterans Plaza!

Did you know? downtown Silver Spring, Veterans Plaza is not just a great destination for major festivals and community gatherings, but also home to a beloved Silver Spring, Maryland winter tradition that brings happiness to families and friends alike. As we get ready for the wintry season, Eric Rasch, Operations Manager for the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza is proud to announce the official opening of the Silver Spring Ice Skating Pavilion! 

The beginning of the outdoor Ice Rink season, which typically starts in mid-October, will be one of many featured sights at the Veterans Plaza Pavilion this year. We are also celebrating the installation of the New Pavilion Lights, which will also feature a daily light show. As a reminder, while visiting the Silver Spring Ice Skating Pavilion, come check out other vibrant gathering events such as the Silver Spring weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays.

The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza can also host Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceanera, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Graduations, Anniversaries, and more. Non-profit fundraisers and events are prevalent on the weekends and through the week. Additionally, the venue has been a host for high-profile community events, government meetings, conferences, and community gatherings. Major festivals that take place at Veterans Plaza include the International Food and Craft Festival, the Hey Cousin Culture Festival, or the Afro-Latino Festival, there's always something exciting happening here. 

See you soon!

Outdoor Ice Skating in Silver Spring

Hours of operation:
  • Monday - Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost:
  • Children: $17 skate rental is included with this price
    • $11 (bring your own ice skates)
  • Adults: $18 skate rental is included with this price
    • $12 (bring your own ice skates)

Watch video from Montgomery Community Media: Ice Skating at Silver Spring

    

Above:

Join Eric, as he takes you on a captivating video tour of the Outdoor Ice-Skating Pavilion, sharing stories of how his love for skating blossomed. Get ready to be inspired and then participate in the enchanting world of ice skating!

Pista de Patinaje sobre Hielo en Silver Spring

Mira el video de Montgomery County Community Media: La Pista de Patinaje Sobre Hielo de Silver Spring

Arriba:

Unete a Joshua en un cautivador video tour de la Pista de Hielo, mientras se comparten historias de su amor por el patinaje sobre hielo. Alistate para estar cautivado y para participar en el encantador mundo del patinaje sobre hielo!

Thank you!

CUPF thanks you for using public facilities for community events and activities! 

New Pavilion Lights at Veterans Plaza!!

 

Veterans Plaza Pavilion Lights

Each evening, just before sunset, the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza will illuminate the pavilion with a radiant and dynamic display of colors. This vibrant show, changing monthly, will elevate Veterans Plaza already lively programs, making the experience on the plaza even more special.  

Come celebrate with us as we marvel at this extraordinary achievement, showcasing the dedication and hard work of many from budget approval to meticulous design and planning. Together, lighting designers, programmers, the Department of General Services, and the Office of Energy and Sustainability, achieved a breathtaking tribute to the diversity that defines our community. The Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) is greatly appreciative of our countless community supporters and partners. 

Operations Manager, Eric Rasch, CPM, MPS states, "It's more than just a light show, this is an artistic victory at the heart of our Arts & Entertainment District, and a reflection of our diverse and vibrant community here in downtown Silver Spring."

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

The Veterans Plaza 2024 Festival Season and Event Guide

2024 Festival Season and Event Guide

Announcing the 2024 Festival Season! Come enjoy an event at Veterans Plaza!

The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza is proud to announce the 2024 Festival Season and Event Guide! Veterans Plaza, in downtown Silver Spring, will be hosting various festivals, events, and community gatherings, bringing joy to families and friends alike. 





Glide Into Winter Fun: Last Chance to Skate at Veterans Plaza!

Silver Spring Ice Skating Pavilion

Don't Miss Out! Skate at the Annual Ice-Skating Pavilion in Veterans Plaza Before It Ends!

As winter wanes and the season draws to a close, there's still time to lace up your skates and glide into the fun at the Silver Spring Ice Skating Pavilion! Nestled in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, Veterans Plaza is not just a hub for major festivals and community gatherings, but also home to a beloved winter tradition that brings joy to families and friends alike.

Our outdoor Ice Rink season, which began in mid-October, has been a hit with locals and visitors alike. But time is running out to experience the magic of skating beneath the open sky! Mark your calendars because the Ice Rink season concludes at the end March this year.

While you're here, why not make a day of it? Saturdays are even more special with our weekly Famers Market, a vibrant gathering that celebrates local produce, artisans, and community spirit. As you glide around the rink, you can also peruse the market stalls, sampling fresh goodies and soaking in the lively atmosphere. 

Veterans Plaza isn't just a winter wonderland. From May to October, we host an array of major festivals that showcase diverse cultures and cuisines, fostering connections and creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it's the International Food and Craft Festival, the Hey Cousin Culture Festival, or the Afro-Latino Festival, there's always something exciting happening here. For ideas and things to do, visit: www.silverspringdowntown.com or www.visitmontgomery.com.

Join us as we bid farewell to another fantastic Ice Rink season and celebrate the spirit of community in downtown Silver Spring. Bring your friends, bring your family, and make memories that will last a lifetime. But hurry, because the Silver Spring Ice Skating Pavilion awaits, and time is slipping away!

Don't miss your chance to glide, twirl, and laugh on the ice. See you at Veterans Plaza before the season ends!

Hours of operation:
  • Monday - Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost:
  • Children: $17 skate rental is included with this price
    • $11 (bring your own ice skates)
  • Adults: $18 skate rental is included with this price
    • $12 (bring your own ice skates)
Website:
Eric Rasch, Operations Manager
Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza

Outdoor Ice Skating at Silver Spring 

Watch video from Montgomery Community Media: Ice Skating at Silver Spring

    

Above:

Join Eric, as he takes you on a captivating video tour of the Outdoor Ice-Skating Pavilion, sharing stories of how his love for skating blossomed. Get ready to be inspired and then participate in the enchanting world of ice skating!

Pista de Patinaje sobre Hielo en Silver Spring

Mira el video de Montgomery County Community Media: La Pista de Patinaje Sobre Hielo de Silver Spring

Arriba:

Unete a Joshua en un cautivador video tour de la Pista de Hielo, mientras se comparten historias de su amor por el patinaje sobre hielo. Alistate para estar cautivado y para participar en el encantador mundo del patinaje sobre hielo!

Downtown Silver Spring

As a reminder, the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza is the go-to venue for Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneara, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Graduations, Anniversaries, and more. Non-profit fundraisers and events are prevalent on the weekends and through the week. Additionally, the venue has been a host for high-profile community events, government meetings, conferences, and community gatherings. The popularity of this venue is confirmed by the significant number of reservations in 2024.

Thank you!

CUPF thanks you for using public facilities for community events and activities! 

The Director's Corner: Preparing for a Successful Fall


CUPF Director's Report: October 2023


    Fall is finally here and everyone at CUPF is excited about this upcoming season. With the addition of new staff members and the emergence of outdoor facilities to reserve such as the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, CUPF looks to have a successful Fall. We are also proud to announce that the opening date to reserve a Montgomery County Public Libraries, Meeting Room, officially began October 15, 2023. For additional information, go to CUPF Facility Reservation.

    COVID has been a constant presence for us and our community since 2020. Because CUPF is an enterprise fund we were especially impacted by the loss of permits and closure of school facilities and government buildings. We are grateful to our Montgomery County Public School partners for the continued authorization to use their facilities for the community. We are also very grateful to our community that continues to support us by coming back to permit our facilities.

    As our community returns to normal and increases their use of facilities for events and activities, CUPF is seeing an increase in permits being issued. This is a positive development for the community as well as for CUPF. We are excited to see reservations for large and small events and more school activities taking place in the facilities we permit.

    As you think about holding events and gatherings for your community groups and programs, please remember CUPF as a very good option for permitting space at an affordable cost for your event. We are all here to help you with RecTrac our software scheduling platform and with the selection of desired locations and facilities.

    You are our customer, and we are here to meet your needs and make your scheduled events memorable. If you have any questions, please remember that you can leave us a message on www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Contact us through our front desk at 240-777-2725 and call or text the after-hours line, after business hours at 240-777-CUPF (2873). Direct dial for the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza is 240-777-5350.

    Community Use of Public Facilities, Director    
    Ramona Bell-Pearson    


CUPF Reminders: Labor Day Closing, Mon., Sept. 4

Labor Day Closing

Monday, September 4, 2023, CUPF will be closed in observance of Labor Day. Montgomery County Government acknowledges Labor Day as a scheduled holiday. CUPF will reopen Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Notable Closures

  • County offices—Closed
  • Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza—Closed
  • MC 311—Closed
  • State offices and courts—Closed
  • State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed
  • Libraries— Closed
  • Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • County-operated COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics—Closed. (The County no longer is operating PCR testing clinics.) Vaccine clinics will be closed on Sept. 4.
  • Department of Permitting Services—All offices, including the customer service lobby, will be closed.
  • Ride On—Will operate on a Sunday
  • Ride On extRaand Flex bus services--Not in service
  • Ride On Flash– The Orange Route will operate on a Weekends & Holidays schedule. The Blue Route (typically, weekday only) will not be in service.
  • MARC Train—No service
  • TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 4
  • TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed
  • Metrobus—Will operate on a Sunday schedule
  • Metrorail—Trains will operate on a Sunday schedule, with trains running from 7 a.m.-midnight.
  • Public Parking Garages, Lots, Curbside Meters—Free
  • County-provided trash and recycling collections: There will be no trash and recycling collections on Monday, Sept. 4. Collections will slide one day throughout the rest of the week, with the last pickup on Saturday, Sept. 9.
  • Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center—Closed on Sept. 4
  • Aquatic Centers— County outdoor aquatic facilities will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. The Upper County Outdoor Pool is closed for the season. Indoor aquatic facilities will close at 6 p.m., with the exception of the Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center. It will be closed all day.
  • Community Recreation Centers—Closed
  • Senior Centers—Closed

Facilities open Labor Day weekend

After-Hours Help Line:

If you experience a lockout, HVAC issue, security concern, equipment failure, rooms permitted not available for use upon arrival, or other comparable situation, you must call or send a text message to 240-490-CUPF (2873) so that our office may assist in remedying the problem. 

General Inquiries: 

 
If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

_________

Office of Community Use of Public Facilities
Montgomery County Government, Maryland
Phone: 240-777-2725