Hello all,

It's not October yet, but I'm ready for the cold weather. I can't wait to get started on my second season.

Last year, as a test run I did a 12' x 24' rink for my 4 year old and 2 year old to get started on. My slope was large enough that I had about 16" on the deep end and one corner just about exposed on the shallow end. The rink was a success in my book because aside from 1 square foot it were able to use it and my kids caught the skating bug. I loved it, but want to get something a little bigger. I am going to break out the line level and twine. I'm hoping to get at least a 16' x 40' in this year.

Looking forward to gleening some information from all the pros on here. Thanks for the great website!

J

Hi J...great username!

16" of water is a bit north of my own personal limit. I've built rinks with more water...but it's stressful on fill day and during any warm spells during the year. For EBR, I no longer do it.

Definitely check your slope and know what kind of depths you're looking at before you fill. If you can find a way to minimize the depth (mulch bags, leveling, moving the rink somewhere else) I'd do it. Your kids are young...if they want a rink each year, you're looking at 15+ years of rinks. Best to spend some coin now on a long-term solution than to have to worry each year. My opinion...

Good luck!