Weather Delays Opening of Minneapolis Ice Rinks

Weather Delays Opening of Minneapolis Ice Rinks

While winter officially begins December 21, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) reminds winter enthusiasts that Mother Nature determines when its outdoor ice rinks can open. MPRB crews need 10 consecutive days, 24 hours daily, of temperatures of 20 degrees or lower to create ice and open rinks.

Since late November, MPRB crews have been preparing to open 46 ice rinks for skating, broomball, hockey and pond hockey at 22 parks citywide. Typically, MPRB rinks are open in time for the holidays, however, rink preparations have suffered continual setbacks due to snow, rain and temperatures above freezing. If weather permits, the MPRB hopes to have at least some of its rinks open by the end of the month. The status of each rink can be viewed online at www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks.

Once open and weather permitting, all rinks and warming houses will be maintained and open through Feb. 18, with the exception of rinks at Bohanon Park, Lake of the Isles, McRae Park and Van Cleve Park, which are scheduled to remain open through March 3.

Many of the 22 ice rink locations offer separate rinks for general skating and recreational uses such as hockey, broomball and pond hockey. Most offer free loaner skates on a first come, first served basis.

Announcements will be made when rinks begin to open. Sign up now for email updates or check the status of each rink throughout the season online or by calling the MPRB’s ice rink hotline at 612-313-7708.

For more information about MPRB ice rinks, warming house hours and rink establishment, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks.