Due to above average temperatures this December, Hopkins ice rinks will not be opening December 23 as previously anticipated.
A quick background on creating ice, as it is no easy task and requires just the right circumstances: Public Works crews cannot begin flooding ice rinks until the ground is completely frozen, otherwise the water will simply soak into the grass. Once the ground is frozen after a stretch of cold temperatures, it takes five days of around the clock flooding to get a good base layer of ice. The entire process takes nearly two weeks to get quality, skateable ice.
Without a consistent string of temperatures below freezing by January 10, Hopkins will likely not have ice rinks available this season.
Keep an eye on Connections, social media and the City website for any ice rink-related updates.