ICYMI: Needham Residents Urged Not to Use Ice Skating Ponds

Editors Note: This story was posted on Friday, but residents are still cautioned not to use the skating ponds in Needham. Here is some information you need to know about skating in Needham.

Needham is in for some warm weather this weekend, and while that brings pleasure to some, skaters have once again been put on ice.

Needham’s ponds currently have limited ice on their surfaces, according to an updated post on the town’s website. With temperatures predicted to reach into the 50s, its unlikely that things will change this weekend. The town urged residents to hold off from skating on town ponds until there is at least six inches of black ice.

In addition, it is important to note that ice is not monitored over the weekends, during winter storms and their subsequent clean-ups.

Here is a rundown of the skating ponds in Needham for when it is time to sharpen those blades, courtesy of the town’s website:

• Horsford: Central Avenue, across from RTS, at entrance to Town Forest. The lights at the large Horsford Pond will be turned on Fridays to Sundays and holidays, when it has measurements of six or more inches of black ice.
• Farley: South Street, 3/10 mile from Chestnut Street intersection - on right. Be respectful of neighbors when parking.
• Reservoir: Off of Dedham Avenue, behind the Department of Public Works. The lights at the Reservoir will be turned on Fridays to Sundays and holidays, when it has measurements of six or more inches of black ice.

• Walker-Gordon: Charles River Street, 2/10 mile from Central Avenue - on right
• Rosemary Lake: Rosemary Street - enter from small parking lot near apartments
  Note: warm water streams keep Rosemary Lake from freezing quickly.
• Sportsman’s: Great Plain Avenue, between Central Avenue and Marked Tree Road behind the brick building.

High Rock Pond has not been freezing over due to weed growth and will not be monitored for ice depths in 2016. Here are some of the town’s tips for skating safety:

• Always skate with at least one other person.
• Skate on areas with 6 inches or more inches of ice.
• Remove loose objects from ice surface.
• Skate in well-lit areas only.
• Hockey players should be careful skating near young children. Hockey is not permitted at the large pond at Horsford.

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