It may not be Rockefeller Center, but Highlands Ranch soon will have its very own outdoor ice rink for residents to enjoy during the winter months.

The ice rink, located in Town Center North south of Super Target, will have its grand opening at 1 p.m. Nov. 7. It will remain open through February.

The grand opening will feature skating demonstrations, $2 admissions for everyone, the new mascot "Bernie" from the Colorado Avalanche and door and raffle prizes from the Avalanche and DU Pioneer Hockey.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association has partnered with Shea Properties on the synthetic ice rink project, said Jamie Noebel, community relations manager for the HRCA.

"This seasonal ice rink will bring new opportunities for public skating, lessons and new skate programs for our residents of the Ranch," she said.

Synthetic ice is a specially designed plastic that has 85 percent of the glide factor of real ice, Noebel said.

The synthetic ice is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than a regular ice rink.

The cost of the ice rink, warmers, skates, skate sharpener and rental station was $101,200, financed through a preferred marketing agreement with Qwest.

Monday through Thursday admission is $4 for residents, $5 for non-residents. Friday through Sunday is $5 for residents, $6 for non-residents. Skate rentals are $2 for residents, $3 for non-residents.

Erin Feese: 303-954-2953 or feesee@yourhub.com