The Mimi DiPietro Family Skating Center in Patterson Park, targeted for closure by city officials last year, appears to be getting a reprieve. City officials said last fall that the facility at 200 S. Linwood Ave. would have to close after the 2025-2026 skating season due to structural probl ems. Named after former City Councilman Dominic Emidio “Mimi” DiPietro (1905-1994) and dubbed the Mimi Dome, the facility opened in 1968 as an outdoor rink and a dome was added later. It serves as a vital community hub for youth sports and programs. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson announced on social media over the weekend that state legislators, including delegates from Maryland’s 46th District (Team 46), have approved $500,000 in state funds to keep it open. “The Mimi DiPietro ice rink in Patterson Park is more than just a place to skate,” Ferguson said in his message. “It’s a space where thousands of Baltimore families make memories and our young people discover themselves through organizations like the Baltimore Banners and The Tender Bridge.” Closing the rink, Ferguson continued, “is an unacceptable outcome, which is why I was so proud to announce today that Team 46 secured $500,000 in State funds to hopefully save the rink for another 5 to 10 years.” “I’m immensely grateful to Delegate Luke Clippinger, Delegate Robbyn Lewis and Delegate Mark Edelson, along with Councilman Mark Parker, Council President Zeke Cohen and Mayor Brandon M. Scott for their partnership working towards this solution as we identify a path toward the rink’s long-term viability for generations of Baltimoreans to come.” Ferguson said in a video that his children learned to skate at the center. He warned that $500,000 won’t keep it open indefinitely but said he is hopeful that the money will help keep it operating as city officials work for a long-range solution. “It’s an amazing asset in Patterson Park, and the Baltimore Banners are just such an All-Star team, finding ways to engage kids, and we’re able to save it,” he said. “We’re going to keep it open for the next five years as we build a plan to replace it with a much bigger and better facility. But at least now we know it’s not closing at the end of the year.” ...read more read less