Debby Dodson 509.625.6623
Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 2:18 p.m.
Due to Mother Nature's generous gift of unseasonably warm weather, the opening date of the Ice Palace now has been moved to a new target date of October 29 and even that is going to depend on cooler weather.
“We are eager to have the Ice Palace open for everyone to enjoy and know we'll have some people disappointed the weather hasn't allowed us to open as originally scheduled on the 22nd,” said Debby Dodson, Riverfront Park Assistant Manager.
This great warm weather isn't something we could have predicted four months ago when the planning process took place. “We hope for the best fall conditions at the right time, and remarkably, what we have now is more like summer conditions,” Dodson said.
6+ consecutive days of cooler weather for installation and at least average fall temperatures to sustain the rink.
It would be inadvisable to rush the process as a second installation attempt could set back the opening at least two additional weeks, incurring additional labor and supply costs and delays and render the rink unusable in the meantime for the user groups.
The installation process involves layers of white base coat, laying hockey and curling lines and 4+ nights of laying thin coats of water during cold temperatures. The compressor system with the glycol pipes freezes the concrete and takes some of the heat out of the water so it can freeze. But that is ineffective at these warm temperatures. There is also an evaporation effect so water laid at night evaporates during the warm days and the rink would not be sustainable.
Updates will be forwarded when we have a better idea of upcoming weather conditions. In the meantime, please get out and enjoy your city parks and their extremely colorful autumn leaf display this year.
Recognized as one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the nation, the Ice Palace offers a great place to skate, take lessons and join a curling league. So if you're a seasoned skater, or if you've never been ice skating, or even if it's been awhile, come and enjoy ice skating. The Ice Palace also offers skate rentals, birthday parties, skate and curling lessons, curling leagues, drop in hockey for ages 16+, Therapeutic Recreation lessons, broomball and ice rentals. We are great for college or church groups, holiday parties, family reunions and just an overall great time.
Please note that the Ice Palace 2014 opening has been delayed due to warm weather!
The City of Spokane's Riverfront Park is considered one of the most scenic urban parks in the nation. With over 100 acres to explore, much of it located on an island, you are sure to discover the magnificent Spokane Falls and River, the Expo '74 Pavilion, 1902 Clocktower, 1909 Looff Carrousel, the Sculpture Walk which includes the Riverfront Rotary Interactive Fountain, giant Red Wagon, garbage eating goat, Vietnam Memorial, Centennial Trail bike path, Havermale Point and inviting meadows and conservation areas. In addition to the abundant scenery, Riverfront Park offers year round fun and entertaining options for the whole family. The 1909 Looff Carrousel, SkyRide Over the Falls, Giant Screen IMAX Theatre, Pavilion Amusement Rides and outdoor covered Ice Palace will engage guests for a full day of opportunities. Riverfront Park is also the host of the largest regional events including Bloomsday, Hoopfest, Pig Out in the Park, 4th of July Festival, First Night Celebration, Pow Wow and the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. For more information, visit spokaneparks.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
