GREENVILLE — The popular United Community Ice on Main skating rink has encountered an unexpected setback this holiday season after the ice, in a move that scientists describe as "entirely predictable," transformed into water due to the 75-degree Christmas weather.

"We've temporarily rebranded as 'United Community Puddle on Main,'" said Parks and Recreation spokesperson Jennifer Walsh. "We're offering a modified experience where families can splash around and remember what winter used to feel like."

The outdoor rink, located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Greenville, typically operates through early January, offering residents a classic winter activity amid the city's charming holiday atmosphere. This year, it's offering residents a chance to wade through lukewarm water while questioning their life choices.

"My daughter asked why the ice was spicy. I didn't know how to explain that ice isn't supposed to be 68 degrees."

Visitors who arrived on Christmas Day expecting a festive skating experience were met with what witnesses described as "basically a very cold, very public bathtub."

"I paid for ice skating, and technically there was ice," said frustrated visitor Marcus Thompson. "It was just in the form of the drinks at the concession stand. The rink itself was what I would describe as 'aggressively liquid.'"

City officials attempted to salvage the situation by deploying industrial cooling units, but the equipment "basically just made expensive fog" according to maintenance staff. A proposal to import ice from Michigan was rejected after someone calculated the shipping costs.

"We considered just putting up a sign that said 'This Is Fine' but our legal team advised against it," Walsh added.

The rink's refrigeration system, designed to maintain ice in temperatures up to 50 degrees, was reportedly "doing its best" against the unseasonable warmth. "The compressors are working overtime," said chief engineer Paul Davidson. "They're not designed for this. None of us were designed for this."

Some families have adapted to the circumstances. Local mother Christine Parker brought pool floaties for her children, who spent Christmas afternoon floating across what was supposed to be a skating rink.

"They're having fun," Parker said. "Is it the experience we planned? No. But it's the experience we deserve after ignoring climate change for 30 years."

The city plans to resume normal skating operations "whenever the weather decides to act like December," which meteorologists estimate could be "February, maybe. Or never. We honestly don't know anymore."

Refunds are available, but officials note the line to request one is "approximately as long as you'd expect."