Imagine skating at your Fourth of July event, a parks and recreation sports program, or your community fall festival. With synthetic ice, this is now possible! Synthetic ice is a solid polymer made to be skated on with regular metal-bladed ice skates. It is typically assembled in rinks by interlocking panels.
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Location
The first step in putting up synthetic ice rinks is to find the right location. Look for flat terrain that is free from debris and water. It should also be easy to reach by foot or vehicle. If you’re looking for a space that can accommodate large groups of people, consider including areas for food and beverage catering. This will draw in more customers and make them feel welcome. The next step is to prepare the site.
Choosing a builder with experience and expertise in building ice rinks is essential. They will know how to lay down the interlocking panels and secure them. They can advise you on the best player movement and spectator viewing dimensions. It would help if you also looked for a builder who offers quality materials and artistry. Once the rink is constructed, you can add various accessories and features. These include dasher boards, goal nets, and skating aids.
These features will depend on the skating you intend to offer. For example, if you want to play hockey, you’ll need a high-quality synthetic surface for precise skater movements. Buying one rather than renting one may be more cost-effective if you plan to use your rink frequently. This will save you money in the long run, and you won’t have to worry about coordinating rentals or delivery schedules.
Lighting
When you use a synthetic ice rink, it’s essential to make sure the lighting is adequate. A well-lit rink will help reduce the risk of injuries and provide a safe skating surface. If you’re using your rink for ice hockey or figure skating, you’ll need more light than just recreationally skating. Traditionally, maintaining an ice rink is a time-consuming and costly endeavor. Natural ice requires temperature control, refrigeration, and regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Synthetic ice, on the other hand, eliminates the need for refrigeration and drastically lowers operating costs. This makes it an excellent choice for schools and communities seeking a low-maintenance skating solution. In addition, synthetic ice can be installed indoors, eliminating the need for a frozen outdoor rink and allowing people to enjoy ice skating year-round.
The installation process for an artificial ice rink varies by product and location, but it typically involves laying down interlocking panels and securing them. The first step is preparing the area for the rink, which includes clearing it of debris and leveling the ground as needed. Larger rinks require a subfloor, which can be made of rubber, thin foam, or a wood floor.
Noise
Whether you want to set up your synthetic ice rink inside a school gym for an in-office skating party or convert the tennis courts at your local park for town fundraising events, you’ll need somewhere people can park. Ideally, this parking area is flat, allowing people to bring their hockey equipment quickly. For the best experience, you’ll also need to provide changing rooms like at a natural ice rink. A key consideration with artificial ice is the sound. Synthetic ice isn’t as quiet as natural ice, so hearing yourself speak over the music can be difficult. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer sound-absorbing panels to help reduce the noise level in your rink.
Another essential thing to consider with synthetic ice is the number of skaters it will accommodate. If your rink is too tiny, skaters may be forced to stand in one place, leading to injuries. You should have about 40 square feet of surface per skater. Finally, it’s important to note that synthetic ice has more friction than natural ice. This can improve your skating skills, forcing you to use more leg power and endurance. You can minimize the amount of friction on your synthetic ice by using a lubricant.
Accessibility
While it may not be possible to replicate the magic of skating on a natural ice rink, synthetic ice does offer many of the same benefits. It’s safer to skate on, requires fewer maintenance tools and equipment, and provides an even more realistic feel. Synthetic ice is also easy to install and can be used anywhere. You can convert the parking lot at your office for a company holiday party, the basketball court at your school, or any other level surface.
To set up your synthetic ice rink, lay down the interlocking panels, ensuring they’re properly aligned and secured to the ground. Once you’re done skating, it’s essential to keep your skates sharp to prevent dulling and ensure a safe ride. It’s also good to sweep away dirt, leaves, or snow before using your rink. Finally, check your builder’s warranty and certifications to meet industry durability, safety, and performance standards.
By doing so, you can rest assured that your synthetic ice rink will last for years. It will also give you peace of mind and confidence that your rink will withstand weather conditions like rain, wind, and sun.
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