Hi all. My kids are 3, 6, and 13. My 13yo daughter figure skates and she told me last week that she thinks I should build a rink in the back yard. I've got the other two in skating lessons/hockey so I figured they'd enjoy it too. I asked a few friends who have done this before and they all tried to talk me out of it. I know it's late in the season to get started, I know it's a lot of work, I know they won't wear their rink skates on my ice, etc. I also heard "the first year is just practice" so I figure even if it's a slushy mess, it'll be good practice for next year, and it'll be fun.

So I built it, nice and small for my first year (16' x 24'). Had to borrow a friend with a pickup truck to help me get the wood. He thinks I'm crazy and tried to talk me out of it too. I don't care, my 3yo asked me if he could eat dinner out on the rink and it wasn't even frozen yet, so I know this is going to be fun.

Welcome to the site! I think it's fantastic that you would do this for your kids and they are going to love it. My one word of caution to you is that this 'hobby' can get very addicting. :-)

Hopefully your 'slushy mess' will freeze soon and you can start tweaking the ice.

Cheers
Kevin

First of all, you need new friends! Preferably more optimistic ones, or ones who realize that a little hard work can make for incredible memories for your children. No, it's not always easy or fun, but the good times you'll have on the rink will make it all worthwhile.

Welcome to the site and please let us know if you have any questions! Be sure to fill in your location and rink materials in your profile!