Outdoors on the ice around Ann Arbor
Ice sports in the Ann Arbor area are by no means a sure thing every winter. A warm, wet rain is all it takes to make pond ice gray and punky, and to turn a hard surface suitable for skating and skiing into a treacherous slop.
With that caveat in mind, here are some upcoming area events that rely on solid ice, and some of the many places that you can get out and enjoy the ice, weather permitting.
Visit the aquatic critters in Black Pond
Stefan Szumko's Pondcast from January 24, 2010 speaks directly to the issue of punky ice:
It’s been an exciting week at Black Pond. The above freezing temperatures last weekend caused the snow and ice to melt, giving it a “punky” texture. “Punky ice” is, apparently, a regional term describing “rotten ice” or “soft ice” which is slightly slushy and medium-grey in some areas. Punky ice is not to be trusted on lakes or rivers without personal safety gear.
Jump in the lake
The Ford Lake Frozen Leap is planned for Saturday, February 12 at the Lake Shore Apartments at 2500 Lakeshore Blvd. in Ypsilanti. All proceeds go to benefit the American Heart Association; last year's event raised about $6,000. Participants jump into the icy waters of Ford Lake, and spectators cheer them on in their temporary insanity and then warm them up afterwards. Details in the AnnArbor.com events calendar.
Outdoor ice rinks
Andrew Turner l Contributor
Skate tracks were visible on the Argo Dam mill race when I visited over the holiday break. The city has plans for a headrace redesign which means this may be the last year for that pond in its current form.
Artificial ice
Grace Shackman's 1990 Ann Arbor Observer story about the Ann Arbor Artificial Ice Company tells the story of commercial refrigeration coming to the area in 1909. The September 1909 issue of Refrigerating World reported that the plant had a capacity of 30 tons a day, distributed via 8 wagons, and that the owners had taken over the business of the Lake Ice Company.
Edward Vielmetti takes up the novel Michigan winter sport of sidewalk skating for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at edwardvielmetti@annarbor.com.
Comments
Bill
Tue, Jan 25, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.
My brother and I learned how to skate at the Burns Park rink and I remember free hot chocolate being available at the warming house by the basketball courts. Now, we teach our kids to skate at Veteran's Park sports complex. It is okay, but not the same. I miss the sense of neighborhood community skating together.
RunsWithScissors
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 1:58 a.m.
Years ago I spent few weeks (business trip) in Minneapolis, MN (Land of 10,000 Lakes) in Jan & Feb. Every possible body of water was frozen over by nature and prepped for skating by local communities. Evening skating on well-lit lakes/ponds/rivers was like living in a Currier & Ives-style picture. There were warming shacks, hot chocolate vendors, and friendly people everywhere. I realize Ann Arbor is not in the same hardiness zone as Minneapolis - Thank God! - but outdoor ice (Burns Park, Wheeler Park, etc.) is a superb way to socialize during winter.
Gary Rochman
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
I remember back in '89 and '90 there was ice skating at Almendinger Park as well as Burns Park, and I remember them being heavily used by neighborhood people. I miss that.
BornInA2
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 6 p.m.
Second that: When I was growing up in A2 we spent many, many nights and weekends skating at the outdoor rink at Northside elementary. Originally the flooded the tennis court for hockey and a huge area of the adjacent field for free skating. The building next to the community center was opened as a warming shelter. This was great, free fun that brought the community together. I was sad to learn from my brother that the city had stopped building this rink.
a2roots
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
When I was growing up in town there were numerous parks that had outdoor rinks. Some had two sheets, one for general skating and the other for hockey. Most also had warming houses. I am not sure what it would cost or the liability issues involved but it sure would be nice to see some of our parks money and or general fund used to reestablish a couple rinks.
timjbd
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Why is there no Burns Park rink anymore?
Edward Vielmetti
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
Jim Knight reminds me to remind you to use caution when sledding, and to not go sledding into the street. <a href="http://www.silive.com/southshore/index.ssf/2011/01/sled_ride_turns_deadly_in_grea.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.silive.com/southshore/index.ssf/2011/01/sled_ride_turns_deadly_in_grea.html</a> STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 46-year-old man, who rooted the New York Jets to victory, took a celebratory sled ride down his driveway in Great Kills that turned deadly last night, when he veered into the path of a car driving down his block, police said.
Edward Vielmetti
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Of course, the sidewalks today are treacherous. If sidewalk skating isn't your favorite, then street luge might be; here's a Naturbahn track in Negaunee, MI to use as inspiration. <a href="http://www.negauneeluge.freehomepage.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.negauneeluge.freehomepage.com/</a>