Whitewater Center Introduces Two New Experiences In Fall 2019

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Whitewater Center is adding Ice Skating and Lights to the activity lineup available to passholders this Fall.

The Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center will transform into a one-of-a-kind ice-skating environment in November. Additionally, Whitewater has commissioned the creation of a new sensory experience through the forest featuring illuminated installations created by Charlotte artist Meredith Connelly called Lights.

Ice Skating will feature a 17,000 sq. ft. skating surface with three distinct areas for programming. Guests will be able to experience a 600 ft. ice trail along the perimeter of the Upper Pond in addition to a free skate area and an activity zone where guests can participate in winter sports. Ice skating can be accessed through an Annual Pass, Day Pass, or Single Activity Pass starting at $20. All passes include skate rental in addition to activity access.

Lights is a new half-mile walking trail that leads viewers through a series of immersive light installations featuring honeycombs, vines, crystals, and other natural features that are integrated into the forest. Lights offers a range of approachable, multi-sensory works that are site-specific to the Whitewater Center. Meredith Connelly has worked with lighting and technology as a material for almost a decade and she brings her experience to the outdoor setting of the Whitewater Center. Connelly’s installations and paper works have been on display at several art museums, galleries,
and private collections throughout the region. Guests can access Lights through an Annual Pass, Day Pass, or Single Activity Pass starting at $20.

Additionally, the Whitewater Center will develop two food & beverage outlets to compliment the new experiences. The first features the adaptive reuse of an Airstream to offer beverage service within the ice-skating environment so that guests may “skate up” to order a hot chocolate, coffee, or beer. The current Raft Pavilion will transform into a new beer garden environment complete with fire pits, indoor heating, and panoramic views of skating.

For more information about Ice Skating and Lights, please click HERE.