My 2009/10 Backyard Rink Log

Text Size       Ok, last year was suppose to be my last year at this. After 7 years I figured my sons were getting a little old for a 36x30 rink. I had made my mind on taking down the kid's double story play house that acted as a press box and overlooked the rink, when....wait for it....my son asked me to build the rink again this year. How could I refuse? All you backyard rink builders know very well that I had to go at it once more.       So by early to mid November I had the boards up and the posts that hold the netting up as well. By end of November I had it all ready, liner and all. I managed to flood a good 6-7 inches of water on the deep end barely covering the far end which is higher. This was just enough to level the surface and just in time for our first snow fall. I would have preferred having a few more nights of cold weather before the first snow fall to build up the ice and allow it to freeze, but I've learned that you have to go with what nature throws at you and make the best.       Yesterday, I had the boys get on the rink with their shovels and remove the snow so that tonight I can flood some more. I was glad to see that the ice had frozen think enough to withstand the boys weight's. I still need to remove some snow and add another 4" of water so that the highest point of the rink will be under 4.5"inches of water in time for the deep freeze that is due in a couple of days from now. --December 14/09          Pictures of this year's rink will be made available shortly. Come again.