With its leadership continuing to prioritize the hosting and management of community recreation events, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has put a pause on the Panther Island Ice skating rink for the upcoming season. The almost 4,000 SQ FT ice skating rink, located at Coyote Drive-In, launched in 2013 with approximately 350,000 attendees enjoying the rink during the years of operation.
“For the last nine years, we were able to bring a beautiful winter wonderland dream to Fort Worth and it was a great run,” said Dan Buhman, TRWD general manager. “The concept proved to be so successful and grew in such popularity that it is now being picked up by the private sector. We’re glad to have provided the Fort Worth community with a great family-friendly destination that will continue to be available through other venues in Tarrant County.”
During its nine-year run, Panther Island Ice hosted numerous activities, events, outings, and fundraisers including Fort Worth ISD Schools on Skates Program, a program which children from 23 elementary schools learned to skate. Additional partnerships with community organizations included Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center, for “A Navidad on Ice” celebrating Latino arts and culture, and Tarrant Area Food Bank for “Food Drive Wednesdays”.
TRWD will continue to host Trash Bash, a multi-day community litter clean-up along the Trinity River in Fort Worth and at lakes Bridgeport, Eagle Mountain, and Cedar Creek. There are also plans to continue the popular Fort Worth’s Fourth, and Rockin’ the River, a live music summer series held at Panther Island Pavilion. Previous TRWD events not included in the 2023 budget include Oktoberfest, Fort Wurst, Marine Creek Health and Safety Fair, and Sunday Funday.
