Late Winter Freeze Delays Opening of Parks Outdoor Skating Rinks
December 03, 2008
December normally brings visions of sugar plums, Christmas and skating on a frozen pond under a winter sky. But this year, the ponds we usually skate on at William Hawrelak, Victoria, Rundle, and Jackie Parker Parks are not ready for skaters.
While we just enjoyed the warmest November since 1954, the formation of skating ice has been seriously delayed.
“After the first freeze, it can take six to eight weeks for a skating surface over open water to be safe to skate on, depending on consistent freezing temperatures,” says Wayne Sager, Parks Branch Leader at William Hawrelak Park.”
Large open ponds like Hawrelak Park pond take longer to adequately freeze, prepare and maintain. Early significant snowfalls can effect and comprise the formation and preparation of ice. The ice surface must also be able to hold the equipment required for snow removal and the ice preparation and maintenance.
Ice prepared on solid ground, like the Victoria Speed Skating Oval, takes two to three weeks to prepare with consistent freezing temperatures. If the upcoming cooler weather predictions hold true, the preparation of this and similar rinks are slated for the first week of December.
Rinks will not open until proper preparation of a safe skating surface is achieved while meeting Alberta Occupational Health and Safety guidelines.
As soon as the rink ice at Hawrelak, Victoria, Rundle and Jackie Parker Parks is safe and properly prepared within the guidelines, the public will be notified. Opening dates may vary as these ice surfaces themselves vary in their size, location and required preparation.
The public are asked to stay off of these surfaces until they are ready and opened to skaters. Going on these surfaces ahead of their opening can be dangerous and also delay their preparation.
For more information:
Wayne Sager
Asset Management and Public Works
| Title | Crew Leader Hawrelak Park |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-496-1408 |
