Saturday marked the grand reopening for the newly renamed Flo Fabrizio Ice Center at the Erie Zoo.

Crowds of skaters were happy to get back on the ice.

What was the JMC Ice Arena now bears the name of the late state representative for his role in advancing the renovation project.

After major difficulties with the ice system, the rink had to close for a couple years. It was completely revamped, thanks to $2 million in Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program grants.

DJ Bill Page, who got his start at the arena in high school, was back playing the music for the grand reopening.

"It's nostalgic and to be here for a day like this," said Page. "A grand reopening, it's pretty special. At one point, the way they were having issues you didn't know if they would be able to salvage it, and here it is. It's a great part of our community, and it's great to be back."

Members of the ice guard staff were also happy to be back.

"We've been down the last couple of years, so haven't been really skating," said Jim Williams, who has been part of the ice guard since 1978. "They got the new rink going, too. It's just like coming back home now."

Saturday was the first public skate on the new ice, and it was nostalgic with $1 admission, $1 skate rental, $1 hot dogs and $1 for a small fountain drink as well.