The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has noticed increased interest in outdoor ice rinks this season with indoor activities limited to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here’s the plan for ice rinks this winter season, pending additional Executive Orders, guidance from public health agencies and weather conditions.
Building Ice
Establishing and maintaining an ice rink is largely affected by the condition of the ground or lake underneath, daily temperatures and precipitation. It takes a minimum of ten consecutive days of below freezing temperatures during the day and night for ice to establish properly.
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Seal the Field Once the ground is frozen, staff seal the field drains with newspaper and clay.
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Build a Base The next step is to saturate the field with water, adding moisture to the ground to help establish the first layer of ice. No two rinks are alike; the amount of water to build the foundation varies based on field conditions. Some fields have low pockets that must be filled in more than fields that are flat.
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Flood the Field When temperatures are right, we flood the fields using sprinklers and fire hoses one inch at a time, twice daily, to build up the ice. Anything more or less than one inch of water at a time will create air pockets, and prevent smooth, solid ice from forming. The ideal temperature for this process is between zero and ten degrees. If it is too cold (-10 degrees or lower) the ice freezes too quickly and becomes brittle.
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Rink Maintenance Setbacks that may require additional flooding include:
- Snowfall: Snow needs to be removed because a blanket of snow insulates the rink and slows the freezing process.
- Warm Temperatures: Thawing softens the ice and sometimes the ground underneath. Thawing also breaks down the areas that cover low pockets creating weak spots.
 Staff installs hockey rink board at North Commons Park on December 17, 2020
Currently teams of MPRB staff are working morning and evening shifts to build solid bases for ice rinks. Looking at the forecast, flooding is planned later this month with the goal of creating skateable ice the first week of January. When rinks open, please maintain at least six feet of distance from people not part of your household.
ICE RINK LOCATIONS
The MPRB plans to open 39 ice rinks at 18 parks across Minneapolis for ice skating, hockey or broomball. This is slightly less than previous years because of a staffing shortage due to COVID infections or exposures. Track the status of ice rinks using the map below and view the flyer for all outdoor ice rink locations and addresses.
Ice Rink Status Map
Ice Rink Flyer
WARMING ROOMS AND INDOOR ICE ARENAS
Warming rooms will not open until at least Jan. 18, 2021. MPRB staff determined they could not be operated in compliance with the guidelines in the most recent Executive Order (20-103). Free loaner skates will not be available this year.
Parade Ice Garden and Northeast Ice Arena are scheduled to reopen Jan. 4, 2021, in accordance with the Executive Order 20-103. The Minnesota Department of Health will release new rules for reopening indoor ice arenas next week. MPRB staff anticipates games and competitions restarting the week of Jan. 11 under the new rules and guidance.
SPORTS LEAGUES
Youth and adult outdoor hockey leagues and adult outdoor broomball leagues are scheduled to begin in January, pending additional Executive Orders, guidance from public health agencies and weather conditions. Use the links below to browse league options and register.
Youth Hockey Registration
Adult Broomball and Hockey Registration
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