New Skating Rink ready for the weather!
At last check in, the rink was being checked for water fastness and capacity.
Last week, volunteers and hockey enthusiasts helped members of the City Recreation Department lay out the rink and the under-surface of what the city hopes will be a gem for winter activities for those who love to get out on the ice, or those who have been waiting to try it out. While there has been a skateable surface at the west side of Kelly Park for many years, which has been maintained by the hockey faithful, this new structure improves both the quality and longevity of the rink.
Rolling out the liner was a massive undertaking...
Jessica Thurman and Amber Torgesen were joined by a small group of helpers throughout the day on Friday as they laid out the materials for the perimeter, gridded out the area beneath the mat surface, and then rolled out the polyvinyl 120 feet by 80 feet that will constitute the base layer for the ice.
The ground was leveled by city workers earlier in the week.
Water was run into the rink to check its hold, and the wait begins for temperatures cold enough to freeze it.
A modified vehicle has been prepped to act as a Zamboni for the winter, and local hockey players have already volunteered to monitor the rink for temperature-related maintenance that will need to occur.
It was reported by those working on the site that the rink was more often than not frozen by Christmas Eve, if not sooner.
...as was getting it set into place. Luckily, there was good help.
Some discussion about the correct method for enclosing the space and securing the border materials was had, with a confirmation call to the manufacturer. Eventually, the whole project was set up, and its water retention was tested. As of press time, the rink seems to be ready to go, just waiting for the right kind of cold to put it in shape.
During the winter, the surface will need frequent attention, as it will need to be resurfaced after any melting episodes or snow accumulation.
The new structure is certainly impressive, and worth a drive to Kelly Park in Soda to see firsthand. Congratulations to the Rec Department and a host of amazing volunteers who helped make it happen.
