Ice rink opens for season

The City of Three Forks Ice Rink at Stevenson Park is open for the season.

Former Three Forks Mayor Sean Gifford, who was instrumental in creating the rink in 2021 and still volunteers at the facility, reported that it was "good to go" on January 8.

Gifford shared several rules and tips for those utilizing the facility, including:

· Being courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders.

· Helmets and protective equipment are recommended, especially for younger skaters.

· No skating on soft ice (the rink will be closed when the ice is soft).

· Drop-in hockey is allowed; however, players must respect other rink users and use caution.

Gifford said those using the rink must remove any items, including nets, pucks, and debris when finished because they will melt and destroy the ice surface.

He added that it is outdoor public ice, which means the surface can be rough or uneven, so skaters should skate at their own risk.

Before the rink opened for the 2024 season, Gifford said he did not want people to walk on the ice with their shoes because road salt and dirt would cause the ice to melt, and rink users should use common sense before skating.

"If the surface layer is slushy, stay off and wait till the evening when it gets colder," Gifford said.

Open skating is allowed in the rink except when the rink has been reserved or closed for maintenance, safety, or weather.

Those with issues with the rink are asked to call City Hall during business hours at 285-3431.

The contact number for out-of-business hours and rink emergencies is 539-6905.