Throwback Thursday: Rolling Back to the 90s at Sawyer Point

The Emerging Leaders of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation recently gathered at the Sawyer Point Riverfront Rink for a night that was equal parts nostalgia, community and impact.

With late -90s and early 2000s hits filling the air, guests laced up their skates, enjoyed burgers and shakes from 50 West, as well as a signature cocktail from Collette and drinks from MadTree Brewing, for a fun evening. Whether showing off their best skating moves or simply cheering from the sidelines with a soundtrack from DJ Xanati, the evening was a time to rediscover the Riverfront Rink, one of the largest outdoors rinks in the country and to come together for some fun on wheels.

More than a social outing, the event was a fundraiser for the Foundation’s current campaign to finish our riverfront parks. Twenty years ago, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation helped transform what is now the award-winning Smale Riverfront Park, creating a destination that has become a source of pride for our city. Now, we have a similar opportunity to extend that impact eastward to Sawyer Point, enhancing amenities, rebuilding the playground lost to fire and investing into the Riverfront Rink.

If you missed this fun event, don’t worry! The Sawyer Point Riverfront Rink hosts weekly skating sessions. New to skating? Check out the Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness Learn to Skate classes on Sundays from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Fridays, the rink hosts area teens for skating, music, snacks, crafts and more. Most Saturdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m., head to the Riverfront Rink for music from some of Cincinnati’s favorite DJs and skating. No matter your skating level, these events are free and open to the public. We even have roller skates you can borrow—or bring your own. If this sounds like your kind of fun, mark your calendars and get ready to roll.

Thank you to our sponsors HyperQuake, AC Shiners, Sharon Hill Day Care, UBS | The Ellis Group, KZF Design, MANE, Midstates Recreation and MSA Sport for making this night possible. And special thanks to our programming partner, Skate Downtown Cincy, for providing skating lessons and making this night so much fun.