Ice Things Up at Outdoor Rinks of the Valley
this winter, local parks & rec departments will offer outdoor rinks free of charge – just bring skates!
Later skater! If staying indoors all winter seems a little too chill, Menomonie, Eau Claire, and Chippewa Falls will have outdoor rinks open to the public. Though use of the rinks is free, you gotta bring your own skates – and don’t forget to practice social distancing!
*Note: Be sure to check online to see when the rinks officially open, as the warm (and rainy) weather lately may cause delays in freezing the rinks!
Eau Claire
According to Eau Claire Parks, Recreation and Forestry, there will be seven rinks open to the public beginning on Dec. 26, as long as the weather allows. The rinks will be located at Boyd, Demmler, Oakwood Hills, Pinehurst, Putnam Heights, Roosevelt, and Sam Davey parks in Eau Claire. The community may use these rinks during park hours, and lights will be set to timers. Supervision will be provided at the Pinehurst location during limited hours throughout the week. Skaters will be asked to wear masks and practice social distancing, and the shelters will not be open to the public.
Chippewa Falls
For the second year in a row, there will be a rink at Riverfront Park in Chippewa Falls, says Dick Hebert, director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry in Chippewa Falls. The rink is small, but big enough for the community to use at a distance, and there is a bathroom at the park. The community is asked to follow county guidelines in regard to COVID, which can be found here: covid19-chipcogis.hub.arcgis.com.
Menomonie
There are at least four outdoor rinks set to be open to the public in Menomonie this season. According to the Menomonie Recreation Department, there will be rinks located at Park Circle, the Menomonie Fire Department (on Wilson Street), and at the Dunn County Recreation Park. There are no warming houses or lights at these locations. The fourth rink, Christmas Miracle Wonderland, is set to open for its debut season near Kado & Associates Inc.
