Portable ice rink installed in Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – The pond at Lakeside Park has long been a favorite spot of local ice skaters during the winter months. Until the weather refused to cooperate with ice-making practices.

The city of Fort Wayne now has an alternative option.

On Monday, crews began installation of a portable rink atop the asphalt of the park’s basketball court. The rink will be a safer option for ice skaters than the pond, which will no longer be open for ice skating, according to Parks and Recreation Department Public Information Officer Natalie Eggeman.

The rink’s boards were erected Monday. The city will install a liner later and, when temperatures fall below freezing, pour 4-6 inches of water inside. Skating will be open there after – at no cost.