James Von Kaenel skated at the Arrington Lagoon ice rink in Dawes Park on Jan. 14 after picking up the sport to get outdoors during the winter.
Von Kaenel, who moved to Evanston from California in March and works from home near the rink, said he “winged it.” He bought some skates from Amazon as he had only skated a bit as a kid.
Despite some bumps, Von Kaenel got a kick out of shredding across the rink.
“It is cool to do winter sports,” Von Kaenel said. “I haven’t really had much opportunity being from California.”
The Arrington Lagoon ice rink is one of two outdoor skating locations in Evanston, the other is in Baker Park. While these spots allow people to enjoy the outdoors, their availability depends on the thermometer.
The Arrington Lagoon ice rink opened in early January but closed for a few days as temperatures inched above freezing. Multiple nights of cold weather — in the 20s or below — are needed to create safe conditions, and the Evanston Public Works Agency considers frost depth and creates ice when conditions are suitable.
That department checks on the rink daily and frequently resurfaces the ice. Evanston Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Michael Callahan said the rinks require consistently cold weather and lots of maintenance to keep open.
The Parks & Recreation department announced on Jan. 21 that the rink has reopened.
“It has been a struggle to get it up and running for the time we’ve had,” Callahan said. “We are hoping to bring it back and continue having it as weather continues or as operations are no longer able to support it.”
Callahan said Parks & Recreation also provides other amenities, like a cafe and a warming room adjacent to the rink. He added that the space does not have an official name yet, but the agency is open to suggestions and plans to have some kind of vote in the spring.
According to him, the cafe, open part-time, has had fewer visitors in the winter than in the fall. But he said community members have appreciated its opening.
It will reopen on Jan. 25 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“It offers a food and beverage option and space designed to enhance visitors’ lakefront experience,” Callahan said. “The warming area provides a cozy retreat where guests can relax and appreciate the scenic surroundings while staying sheltered from the elements, allowing them to enjoy the site for longer periods.”
Evanston resident Kathy Baker skated at the Arrington Lagoon rink and said she enjoyed her time on the ice but wished the cafe was open more frequently.
“I don’t skate enough, and it’s a beautiful day,” Baker said. “It has been so long since we’ve had prolonged cold weather, and we are actually having a real January.”
Callahan said they focus on keeping the lights on until 7 p.m. to keep the service open. One of Parks & Recreation’s goals is to provide spaces for people to be active and have fun experiences while creating memories.
“We want to get people out,” Callahan said. “The goal is to provide recreational opportunities for people (and) exercise activities to get them to the lakefront and parks.”
Community members can check the agency’s social media accounts or call 847-448-0034 to learn when the rinks are available.
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