Our Old Fashion Ice Rink & Sno-Tube Run

[mezz]

After dealing with rain a little over a month ago, then some continous snow, I didn't think I would be able to pull this off again this year, but I was able to. The tough thing about doing the ice rink the old fashion way is all the site prep, packing the base & leveling the best you can then soaking that packed snow & gradually building it to good ice. Then of course is the continuous cleaning task, but, it is worth it (I think). Now we are faced with some milder temps & sun, I am hoping it can withstand it for a couple more day's. I also put some pic's of the snow tube run I put together (again) for some added outdoor fun in our yard. I build it & maintain it with my Prowler, it makes for a good groomer. -Mezz

[HIGHLANDER]

very cool! im on my way over!

[snowman2]

very cool mezz we also build one here in chicago at a buds house he kind of cheats though buys wood for the sides and also a liner very costly but also very nice exacty how do you do yours? it does look very nice he bought special devive to flood do you use a hose? also and other tips would be good info.ty

[mezz]

Well, I pack the area & back drag it many times with the ATV/UTV. I try to get a decent base established with the first number of significant snows. This helps me level things out as good as possible where needed. Once the base is packed tight & dragged somewhat smooth then I start building on the perimeter banks. Next, good ole water from the garden hose. To start, I use an oscillating sprinkler set for a one sided panning. That allows me to keep from adding footprints in the base. Once this is set up enough, then I start flooding with the hose & a regular brass nozzle fanning the water on as evenly as possible. After about 9 hours of watering time (over a period of day's) it begins to form good ice. Nice cold nights are a plus, when you are done flooding, you can hear the ice expand & pop. Really, no special tools required, just a lot of time, patience, and a good steel scraper, oh, & a lot of cooperation from Mother Nature.-Mezz

[snowman2]

thanks for the tips. feel like putting on the blades as we speak but we had a pretty good melt down here but rink survived just needs a few days of recovery plus i am heading to fla in am thank again for the tips

[Skylar]

Love the tube run! The ice rink looks awesome too, I never got interested in ice skating, or hockey, you ever see a hobbit try to ice skate? Not a pretty site. LOL.

[mezz]

Thanks skylar, lol! "Hobbit try to ice skate" that's funny! I was hoping for a bunch more snow than we have right now, but, it is was it is. It's all about creating fun, good safe fun and fun that I only was only able to dream of having in my own back yard as a kid. Of course, you have to have space, fortunately, we do. As much work as it is, it is all worth it to see the smiles when it's used.-Mezz

[doospunk]

Nice work Mezz! Reminds me of growing up in Winnipeg Manitoba. Had a similar ice rink (all three of us brothers played hockey), and a self made sled run through the trees down to the Red River banks. Great times!

[m8man]

Skylar,

That is the funniest thing I've heard in a few weeks...

cg

[boatssleds]

Dear Mezz,

Your yard is the yard that all the kids in town want to hang around in. Do your kids have lots of new friends in the winter months. I growing up had a pool in the back yard, and had a lot of summer friends that wanted to hang out. As an adult, I would hang out in your yard. That tube run looks like a blast.

[ibendwire]

Mezz- Awesome. Now lets see the rink and tube run in action.

[favoritos]

Tube run looks pretty good. Do they lose it on the bend at the top of the ravine?

We never had hills around when I was a kid, so we built snow piles to make them. Your kids are way ahead. Give them a bonus start on the run and build a big ol snow pile at the top.(dang it, still need one of those smiley icons)

Looks almost as much fun building those as it would be to play.

[Skylar]

Nice work Mezz! Reminds me of growing up in Winnipeg Manitoba. Had a similar ice rink (all three of us brothers played hockey), and a self made sled run through the trees down to the Red River banks. Great times!

Holy crap, you are Canadian? That explains a lot! LOL.

[polarisrider1]

Mezz, I know were you live. ( green neighbors house in pic gave it away) If you see me on a tube in your back yard don't shoot! That rink and tube run is to die for! Every kids dream from the 60's and 70's. (prevideo games). I am concerned about the first curve it looks off camber in the pic.

[mezz]

favoritos, I did build up a starting ramp on the tube run, it is the second pic above looking from the top down. I did include one below which shows this from the start of the first corner. Polarisrider, you know where I live, now that's scary,lol! Yeah, that first curve is off camber, but the bank holds the rider inplace & gives a better approach to the second corner which leads to a decent approach to the third corner & out. The first corner kinda spins the tube rider like the Mad Hadder's Tea Cup ride at Disney. I am luck to have seven lots all together & being on that hill & having the yard terraced like that helps out. Sorry, no pic's of the rink in use, too warm right now, but here are a couple of the tube run in use.-Mezz

[polarisrider1]

If that first curve is okay than I will take your word for it. I do like Hot chocolate with the little marshmellows. Can I bring my own saucer? lol.

[timo]

to be a kid again, that looks really cool, well done!

[700classic]

Growing up ours wasn't quite as nice. We just dumped washtubs of water down the neighbors hill. It made for some great speed and only a few broken bones. Ah, the good old days.

Looks sweet Mezz!

[polarisrider1]

Growing up ours wasn't quite as nice. We just dumped washtubs of water down the neighbors hill. It made for some great speed and only a few broken bones. Ah, the good old days.

Looks sweet Mezz!

Ahh! yes! How quickly we forgot about the walk back to the top.

[favoritos]

Mezz, I should have known on the starting ramp.

Looks like a great time. Now you have to rig up a tow rope.

[lofsfire]

Looks great Mezz! I enjoyed the pictures last year, great to see you making it a tradition!

Wish I could do something like that for my kids, they would love it, but I don't think Indiana weather will be as nice to me as the UP weather is to you even on a bad UP day. LOL

[mezz]

Thanks all, I have been doing this for quite a few years. I'm not sure who likes it more, the big kids or the little kids. I have fun making it, but the best part I guess is watching them have fun using it. I don't know so much about the ice rink though, it's a lot of work for 1 guy. Though lately, with the lack of snowfall, there hasn't been any shoveling or scraping to do. I will have to get back to flooding now that temps at night are cooling down enough, though that will be in between running for basketball games & practices. Here is to hoping our winter begins to return, we have been snow starved lately. I think it's time to make a call.-Mezz

[bigvin]

Mezz Rocks!

Wish "I" was a little kid again,....
Well, I guess I never really was "little",...
Wish "I" was a Kid again!

[snow_monkey]

All riders must sign a waiver at the top of the hill.

[polarisrider1]

signage would be nice. A "look both ways" for the kids at least! lol.

[fishs_summit]

Very cool.