Winter is coming!
As days become shorter and New England temperatures begin to plummet we find ourselves amidst winter’s tight grasp. If only there was a way to extend the use of your backyard sports court and transform it into a winter wonderland…
Well, if you live in a colder climate, you’re in luck!
Converting your outdoor court into a family-friendly ice rink is the perfect way to get outside and have fun, all while extending the use of your sports court through the winter months! The process is easy, simply flooding your sports court during the colder months will grant you an exciting new neighborhood hangout and a unique backyard accessory.
Convert Your Court
- Gather all materials needed for the job:
- Boards to wrap around the sides of the rink (if not already caged in)
- Hockey nets
- Install boards around the perimeter of the court. This will help water from escaping and excess water from coming in.
- Ensure you don’t have any cracks in your court.
- Use an outdoor hose to flood the court about an inch deep. (Make sure to check the weather. Temps need to be at or below freezing!)
- Wait until the ice is completely frozen over.
- Test the ice before use to make sure it is ready for skating, if the ice is too soft it may harm your court.
- Strap your skates up and enjoy!
Sports courts are designed to withstand the weather and remain crack free year-round by expanding on hotter days and contracting on colder ones. This process should not cause any extra harm to your court, just added fun!
If you are looking for a more permanent solution for the boards along the perimeter of the court, most courts can be fitted with pre-made plastic dasher boards that can be reused from year to year. On the other hand, if you are trying to be cost-efficient, a trip to your local hardware store for a few boards is sufficient.
By creating your own ice rink in your backyard you can enjoy the winter months with a reliable outdoor activity that everyone enjoys. From teaching your kids how to skate to hockey practice, having your own private skating rink provides endless winter excitement and brings use to what would be a snow covered sports court.
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