Cincinnati’s skate culture is about to undergo an exciting transformation! For the first time in decades, the city is bringing a brand-new skating rink to the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) area. The new rink will be part of the expansive Findlay Community Center, set to open in the fall of 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting updates and what they mean for the future of skating in Cincinnati.
A New Roller Rink at Findlay Community Center
The long-awaited addition of a new skating rink in OTR is just around the corner. Located two blocks north of the current skating facility, the new Findlay Community Center will be built on the site of what is currently Findlay Playground. The 60,000-square-foot facility promises to be a game-changer for the neighborhood, offering much more than just a skating rink.
Here’s a sneak peek at what the new center will feature:
- A dedicated 10,000 sq ft roller rink for skating enthusiasts of all ages.
- Community rooms that will provide space for gatherings and events.
- A workout room for those looking to stay fit and active.
- A gymnasium for sports and recreational activities.
- A track to encourage walking, running, and outdoor fitness.
- Indoor aquatics offering a place for swimming and water-based fitness.
- Green space and park space for relaxation, play, and outdoor fun.
Construction on the new Findlay Community Center will begin in May 2025, with a projected completion date in just 18 months. The new rink will open its doors in the fall of 2026, marking a huge milestone in the revitalization of the OTR community.
The Hub Gets a New Role
As for the current OTR CRC skating rink, also known as The Hub, it will soon be undergoing a significant transformation. Starting in May 2025, the rink will be converted into a community health center in partnership with Crossroad Health Center. The health center will provide affordable and accessible medical and dental care to the local community. While this transition is underway, the rink will close for programs on May 23rd, 2025.
However, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the skating rink before it’s converted. The rink will remain open for its regular hours — Monday to Friday from noon to 2 PM and 5 to 7 PM, and Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 2 PM. Special events will continue as scheduled, giving you plenty of chances to skate before the changeover.
Transitioning to New Locations
As the OTR CRC skating rink prepares for its new role as a health center, skating programs will temporarily relocate. From May to October 2025, the skating programs will shift to the Riverfront Rink at Sawyer Point, a beloved venue that will offer a great alternative for skaters during the transition.
Then, from November 2025 through May 2026, the indoor skating rink at Winton Hills CRC will become the temporary home for skating programs. After that, the Riverfront Rink at Sawyer Point will once again host skating programs from May to October 2026, as we all eagerly await the grand opening of the new Findlay Community Center rink in the fall of 2026.
Looking Ahead
The future of skating in OTR is bright, with new facilities, programs, and opportunities on the horizon. The opening of the Findlay Community Center rink in 2026 promises to be a major step forward for Cincinnati’s skating scene. Whether you’re a casual skater or a dedicated enthusiast, there’s so much to look forward to in the coming years. Until then, the existing rink at The Hub will continue to serve as a community hub for fun, fitness, and unforgettable moments — so be sure to take advantage of it while you can!
Stay tuned for more updates as construction on the new Findlay Community Center progresses, and get ready to lace up your skates for an exciting new chapter in Cincinnati’s skating history.
