Friday, December 9, 2005

Ketchum begins work on ice rink

Free skating set to begin by month's end

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By REBECCA MEANY
Express Staff Writer

Ketchum Parks & Recreation staff began work Wednesday on an outdoor ice rink at Atkinson Park. They hope to have it completed by Christmas. Photo by David N. Seelig

While some city departments labor long hours to remove ice from Ketchum and its environs, one city department is working hard to make more.

The Ketchum Parks & Recreation Department began work Wednesday on an outdoor ice rink, which is scheduled to open by Christmas.

"It's pretty labor intensive," said Jen Smith, Ketchum arborist and parks superintendent.

Workers pack snow, then spend up to eight hours every evening hosing down the field to create layers of ice. Smith said they hope to have a Zamboni on the rink smoothing it over in a couple of weeks.

City staff spends approximately 150 hours getting the rink in shape for skaters, Smith said, and they maintain it every evening.

The department builds the rink every year on the lower soccer field at Atkinson Park, near Hemingway Elementary School.

Skaters can borrow skates and helmets for free.

Once the rink is ready, the adjacent recreation center will open its doors, offering hot chocolate and snacks.

The rink will be open seven days a week, from sun up to sun down, depending on the weather.

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"We have to remove snow before people skate," Smith said. "Please be patient and not get on it until it's finished."

The rink will be home to Park Penguins hockey, set to begin in January. The junior hockey program focuses on skills and drills, occupying children a couple of days a week after school, Smith said.

The rink usually stays open though February.