A development group wants to place an outdoor ice rink and themed restaurant at the corner of 1st Street South and 13th Avenue South in the city’s historic Belle District.

“The ice rink and restaurant to open mid-October will transform a vacant dirt lot in the heart of historic downtown Nampa into a family entertainment center unlike anything in the Treasure Valley”, Laurel MacKinnon, of the MacKinnon Group, said in a prepared statement.

Construction will begin early in July, she said.

Developers say the 70-foot-by-130-foot rink, adorned with twinkling lights and decorative rod fencing will supply 9,100 square feet of ice for skating from mid-October through mid-March.

Special holiday and community events that cater to all ages such as broom ball and Santa on Ice are planned, along with weekly figure skating classes and a youth ice hockey program. MacKinnon said special ticket prices will present fundraising opportunities for corporations, churches, civic clubs and schools.

From April through September, she said, the rink will convert into a large courtyard for community gatherings such as movies under the stars, outdoor markets and other events. The courtyard and restaurant will also be designed to accommodate private events.

According to the firm’s plans, a 4,000-square-foot building next to the rink will house the themed restaurant, mezzanine and a special room for parties and meetings.

MacKinnon said the Nampa Ice Factory and the restaurant fulfill her group’s goal of renewing the historic heart of Nampa “by bringing goods and services closer to residents that will enhance their quality of life and contribute towards a sustainable community.”