For many of you experiencing a harsher winter that you are used to ...
why not make one of
these!
An entertaining and healthy way to enjoy winter is to build and experience the fun of a rink. Constructing a modest rink is not difficult and it has numerous benefits.
Wait for the deep freeze
Once you are fairly certain that the snow on the ground is here to stay, you are ready to begin the rink. The rink site should be level and accessible to an outdoor water faucet.
Once you are fairly certain that the snow on the ground is here to stay, you are ready to begin the rink. The rink site should be level and accessible to an outdoor water faucet.
Constructing is simple:
• Pack down the snow.
• Water the snow to form a base.
• When a solid base is established, put on numerous coats of water for a smooth, thick ice surface.
• You may need additional floods from time to time to keep the rink smooth, thick and better able to withstand mild spells.
• Pack down the snow.
• Water the snow to form a base.
• When a solid base is established, put on numerous coats of water for a smooth, thick ice surface.
• You may need additional floods from time to time to keep the rink smooth, thick and better able to withstand mild spells.
Size does matter
A common mistake is making the rink bigger than you can easily maintain. Remember — even if you do have the room for a fairly large rink, you still have to shovel and flood it on a regular basis and provide repairs from time to time. When it comes to rinks, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A 7.6 m by 12 m (25’ by 40’) rink will provide children with plenty of room to skate and play hockey.
A common mistake is making the rink bigger than you can easily maintain. Remember — even if you do have the room for a fairly large rink, you still have to shovel and flood it on a regular basis and provide repairs from time to time. When it comes to rinks, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A 7.6 m by 12 m (25’ by 40’) rink will provide children with plenty of room to skate and play hockey.
Maintenance
While rinks do require water and some energy to create, once they are established their upkeep is fairly simple. Use slush, not snow, to repair holes and crack. And try skating on the ice once it’s smooth enough to work out the last few bumps and irregularities.
While rinks do require water and some energy to create, once they are established their upkeep is fairly simple. Use slush, not snow, to repair holes and crack. And try skating on the ice once it’s smooth enough to work out the last few bumps and irregularities.
Jazz it up for after dark
Increase the use of your rink by putting up some lights and skating at night. Night time is also a good time to flood the rink since it’s colder — and the stars put on a great show!
Increase the use of your rink by putting up some lights and skating at night. Night time is also a good time to flood the rink since it’s colder — and the stars put on a great show!
Your Kodak moments
And don’t forget to record these environmentally-friendly fun family times. While the rink will last only two or three months, photographs and video capturing the special times on the frozen yard will last a lifetime.
And don’t forget to record these environmentally-friendly fun family times. While the rink will last only two or three months, photographs and video capturing the special times on the frozen yard will last a lifetime.
Pay offs
Backyard rinks have many benefits. Those who use the rink will not only be having lots of fun, but they will also be getting good exercise and fresh air. The rink may also become a gathering place for local children, providing a healthy, environmentally-friendly place to play. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing where they are and, if you throw on a pair of skates, you can join in the fun and spend more time with your kids.
Backyard rinks have many benefits. Those who use the rink will not only be having lots of fun, but they will also be getting good exercise and fresh air. The rink may also become a gathering place for local children, providing a healthy, environmentally-friendly place to play. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing where they are and, if you throw on a pair of skates, you can join in the fun and spend more time with your kids.
Besides the sheer joy and good exercise that children (of all ages) experience, skating on an outdoor rink is green recreation, especially when compared to the skidoo.
Since you’ll spend less time driving your children to their friends’ homes, skating rinks, theatres and other entertainment venues, you’ll also be shrinking your carbon footprint.
Oh my goodness, this looks like fun! I would SO do this if I had a backyard - and not for the kids ;) We've had about 8 more inches of snow fall today...
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