ICE RINK OPERATIONS

BUILDING RINKS – The best conditions to build an ice rink are when there is at least 4 inches of frost in

the ground and the temperature is below 20 degrees. With too little frost and if the temperature is

warmer than 20 degrees applying water can actually draw the frost out of the ground. We also pack down snow (if available) on the ice rinks to further the ice making process. Applying water to an ice rink

changes with temperatures. If air temperatures are between 25 to 17 degrees you apply the water in lower quantities but multiple times waiting for the water to freeze solid between coats. At air

temperatures between 16 to 0 degrees you can apply larger quantities of water less frequently. Below 0

degrees flooding ice rinks is not recommended due to creating shell ice and equipment freeze ups.

Ice rinks the size of a regulation hockey rink takes approximately 40 to 50 hours of flooding time using a tanker truck or 1 1/2” fire hose to create a safe skating surface. This estimate is based on flooding in

temperatures below 20 degrees. If we encounter snowfall, we need to focus on snow removal throughout

the city so establishing the rink may take longer than anticipated.

At Appleton Memorial, Erb and Highview parks we use a tank truck to apply the water because it is the most cost effective method. At Jones park we use hand held hoses because of this being a hockey rink

with dasher (side) boards.

MAINTAINING RINKS – Once a safe ice surface is established we plow and broom the rinks to clean off

snow and other debris. We also do this to remove any bumps or other surface deformities so we can maintain a safe and smooth skating surface. We then flood the rink with water when it is cold enough,

preferably below 25 degrees. We do this process based on skater usage and accommodating weather.

RINK SEASON: The weather determines the season. We try to have rinks ready for the Christmas break

when kids are out of school. If the weather cooperates, we can usually maintain good ice through Valentine’s Day. However, as the earth’s northern hemisphere begins to tilt back towards the sun in

February, ice rinks are difficult to maintain because of the intensity of the sun’s rays.