Good Skating Possible for Winter Break

By Randy King

The Wheaton Park District grounds staff has been getting up early the past few days to take advantage of cold weather to build the ice at Kelly Park.

Crews have been out spraying in the pre-dawn and early morning hours adding layers to the ice, hoping to have it ready for use over the holiday break. It takes at least three days of sub-15 degree temperatures to make a great sheet of ice, with light spraying and shaving to get a smooth surface with the proper thickness.

That makes for a cold shift outdoors for Wheaton Park District workers, who have to spray the entire surface and then wait between layers for everything to freeze over. Between layers workers also walk the entire surface shaving off rough spots with a snow shovel blade to keep it smooth as glass.

The Kelly Park ice is hugely popular with neighborhood families and each year, but only if the weather is cooperates. The Wheaton Park District also maintains outdoor ice at Rathje, Northside and Seven Gables parks. From the district’s ice conditions email, here’s a reminder about usage.

To ensure safety, residents and patrons are requested to stay off the ice and allow the park service staff team to sweep, resurface, and monitor the ice as needed. Flags are posted to let skaters know when conditions are safe; green indicates safe conditions and red indicates unsafe conditions.