Park district may ask to share Roselle ice rink

With winter ending in temperatures nearing 80 degrees, Roselle Park District officials are looking for ways to bring back a bit of winter fun.

Park officials may ask for an agreement with the village of Roselle that would allow park district patrons to use Roselle’s artificial ice rink.

“Right now we are just in the beginning stages and seeing if there is any interest on the village’s half to allow the park district to use that surface,” said Rob Ward, park district executive director. “This year we didn’t get any ice in Turner Park and, even though the rink is not large, it’s unique and I think we might be able to do some programming on it.”

Roselle purchased the 45-by-45 foot rink for nearly $29,000 in late 2010 from Artificial Ice Events. It was assembled both last winter and this winter in the new Main Street Civic Plaza on Main and Prospect Streets, and was just taken down for the year last week. If needed, the rink could be reassembled within about two hours.

The synthetic ice is made of a plastic polymer and fits together like a giant jigsaw puzzle, according to the manufacturer. The panels are then treated with a lubricating solution that reduces friction and enhances glide and speed. While the surface does create about 10 percent more drag than real ice, the key is to use freshly-sharpened skates.

The ice rink, which can accommodate about 35 skaters at once, is unmanned and admission is free. Skate rentals and skate sharpening are not available on site.

Village Administrator Jeff O’Dell said Roselle leaders have not yet discussed the idea, but it could come up for debate at a future public meeting.

“I could see this as something the board would be interested in doing,” O’Dell said. “The park district does provide the majority of recreation opportunities in the area, so it would make sense.”