How to make a backyard skating rink
By Jacqueline Kovacs
When the temperature starts to plummet, Mike Moore starts to think rink. As a kid growing up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Moore used to flood his backyard to make a skating rink, and now the Toronto dad does the same for his own two boys.
“It stems from my kids’ interest in hockey,” he says, “but it’s also just great to have the rink in the backyard because we live in the heart of the city, quite close to the road, so my boys can’t really go play out front in the winter.”
Though Moore has a fair amount of rink-making experience, even a novice can turn a snowy yard into an icy playground the whole family can enjoy. Here are some cool tips for making your own backyard rink:
Weather – or Not?
“If you decide you’re going to do it,” says Moore, “you’ve got to start watching the weather.” Moore usually waits until the temperature has hit -10°C for about four consecutive days. And you’ll need that other Canadian winter classic – snow – for a decent foundation. “One year, I tried to make a rink when it was cold, but there wasn’t any snow,” Moore recalls, “and it just didn’t take.”
Location, Location, Location
Pick a spot – but not just any spot. Preferably, your site will be fairly flat, close to your outdoor tap and, if possible, shaded to decrease potential daytime melting. It doesn’t especially matter if your location of choice is on grass or pavement, but depending what surface you go with, you may want to adjust your technique.
On grass: If you’re worried about damaging your lawn, consider alternating rink areas each year. You could also use a plastic tarp between the grass and the ice to prevent potential problems. But Moore, who has tried both grass and pavement for his rinks over the years, says he’s never had a problem with his lawn come springtime.
On pavement: If you’re using an asphalt driveway, remember that black absorbs the sun’s rays, which may lessen the life of your rink if the winter is full of bright days. Also, if skate blades break through the ice, they could damage your driveway – not to mention the skates. But if you’re set on asphalt, consider spreading a layer of gravel before you start flooding.
If the paved area you want to use is concrete, go for it: It makes a great under-ice surface.
Originally published in Today’s Parent Family Living, Winter 2003