Minneapolis Ice Rinks Await Colder Weather to Open for Season

Via a December 15 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter: 

Minneapolis ice rinks await colder weather to open for season
 
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) crews are currently preparing 45 ice rinks for skating, broomball, hockey and pond hockey at 25 parks citywide.

Establishing ice rinks takes a minimum of 10 consecutive days with below-freezing temperatures throughout the days and nights for ice to form. For lake-based rinks, the ice must be at least 8” thick to support the equipment needed to set up the rinks. Learn more about how the MPRB builds and maintains ice rinks.

With the current cold weather and cold weather forecasted through the weekend, many rinks will likely begin opening in time for Minneapolis Public School’s winter break next week. Please check the MPRB rink status page for the most up-to-date rink status. The Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate rink at Loring Park is open.
 
All rinks and warming houses are anticipated to be maintained and open through February 20, while rinks at Lake of the Isles, McRae, North Commons, Loring and Van Cleve parks are scheduled to remain open through March 1, weather and ice conditions permitting.
 
Many of the 25 rink locations offer separate rinks for general skating and recreational uses such as hockey, broomball and pond hockey. All locations except Bryn Mawr offer free loaner skates on a first come, first served basis.
 
Warming House Hours (once rinks are open)
All rinks (except Bryn Mawr*, Phelps*, Lake Nokomis, Lake of the Isles and Loring):

Mon-Fri, 3-9 pm
Saturday, 9 am-9 pm
Sunday, noon-6 pm
Visit www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks for other hours
 
Lake of the Isles and Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate at Loring Park:
Mon-Fri, 3-9 pm
Saturday, 9 am-9 pm
Sunday, 10 am-6 pm
 
Four sites will be under lights on Sundays until 9 pm:
Lake of the Isles
Lynnhurst
Matthews
Van Cleve
 
*Bryn and Phelps Park rinks open during broomball league games only.

View the 2016-2017 Ice Rink Brochure [PDF] for a full list of rink locations, details, and warming house hours.
 
Stay updated on rink statuses by calling the MPRB ice rink hotline at 612-313-7708, visiting www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks or by signing up to receive email updates at www.minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, and selecting “ice rinks”.

Donate Your Sticks & Skates
The MPRB welcomes hockey sticks and ice skates in good condition. Call or visit your local recreation center for donation and drop-off information.