City Council is scheduled to review a proposed agreement with JJLA for the production and management of an outdoor ice-skating rink event in West Hollywood Park.
The ice-skating rink will include skate rentals, themed skate nights with music and lighting, and a concession area offering snacks and refreshments. Ticket prices are set at $15 for children aged 13 and younger and $20 for adults aged 14 and older.
Tickets include a 90-minute skate session and skate rental, with additional fees for optional skate aids. The city and JJLA estimate selling 200 to 220 tickets daily, with up to 400 tickets expected on themed skate nights. Revenue from ticket sales is projected to range between $90,000 and $100,000.
The agreement would cover a one-year term, with the event planned for two weeks in January 2025. The project’s budget is $570,524, to be funded through the city’s General Fund reserves, with an option to renew for up to two additional years.
JJLA was selected for the project through a competitive bidding process initiated in October 2024. The city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) through its electronic platform, notifying 80 potential contractors and receiving five submissions. Proposals were evaluated based on technical execution, marketing strategies, budget considerations, and experience. JJLA was chosen due to its experience managing events such as WeHo Pride and AIDS Walk LA, as well as its familiarity with local businesses and safety standards.
Under the agreement, JJLA will handle all aspects of the ice-skating rink event, including rink construction, maintenance, daily operations, marketing, and dismantling. JJLA will also develop branding and promotional materials for the event and collaborate with local businesses and non-profits to establish community partnerships and sponsorships. The company will work with city staff to meet safety standards and operational requirements.
The concept for the outdoor ice-skating rink was discussed during a May 20 City Council meeting, which led to a feasibility study and the issuance of the RFP. The event is expected to attract visitors, increase foot traffic to local businesses, and create opportunities for community groups and non-profits to participate.
The $570,524 budget covers all aspects of the event, including rink construction, staffing, marketing, and themed skate nights. Revenue from ticket sales will offset some costs. JJLA will provide a profit and loss statement after the event concludes. City staff and JJLA will evaluate the event’s performance to guide future planning.
City Council is set to consider the agreement during its Monday meeting.
Seriously? $570,524 for 2 weeks? If we have that much money just lying around then we need to stop taxing people so much. Go ice skate downtown where they already have a nice rink for the holidays. This is a shocking amount of money to spend for this type of event. If they can get corporate sponsors to pay for it then that’s another story but using $570,000 of tax payer money for 2 weeks for an ice rink is beyond outrageous.
Why consider this skating rink? Ridiculous idea for SoCal and spending half million dollars! Come on there are better activities that can be funded in WeHo!
A Roller skating rink would be something they could do all year around and during the winter holiday turn into an ice skating. It would be a hit & a throw back to the iconic “Flippers” located where CVS is now on LaCienega & Santa Monica Blvd., from 1975-1980. RIP “Flippers” & those golden memories.
[…] Story continues […]