Nibco Water and Ice Park helps boost Elkhart's economy

January 03, 2012|By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

ELKHART – The last couple of weeks have been hit or miss when it comes to really cold weather and snowfall.

It can be a trying time for facilities that depend on the cold, like outdoor ice skating parks. One ice skating park in Elkhart does not have a problem keeping its ice ready in slightly warmer temperatures.

From December through March, with a few exceptions, there is a continuous flow of skaters out on the Nibco Water and Ice Park. Skaters can choose to skate in front or follow the path at the facility which is now entering into its fifth season. Jim Meuninick brought family and friends to the ice park on Tuesday.

“It’s nice to come out,” said Meuninick. “It’s pretty inexpensive, something to do when it’s cold outside, and makes the winter a little more bearable.”

What sets this park apart from others is the underground refrigeration system that keeps the ice cold. That is different from some parks depending on low temperatures to keep the surface ice cold.

“We have a concrete slab, and underneath it is anywhere from five to eight miles of refrigeration tubing that we use to create the ice and maintain the ice," said Wendy Terrazas, from the parks-recreation department.

Since it opened on December 8, it has only closed twice due to rain. It is not a problem to stay in operation even if it hits forty degrees. The ice park is a continual source of revenue for the city.

“We’ve been very blessed with the fact that we do have this unique service,” said Terrazas. “You know for our ice park with the two compressors to keep it all refrigerated and cold.”

The rink has its regular skaters who know that this facility pretty much has the ability to stay open all the time during the winter months because of its unique refrigeration system.

“The way they freeze it, I mean, it’s really nice ice,” said Riley Keagle, an avid skater. “Even when it snows or rains, you can come out here and it’s really enjoyable.”

More than 100 skaters used the park on Monday.

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