Heat waves have sounded the death knell for Apple Valley's beloved outdoor ice rinks, with the city shutting them down for the season. High temps have turned what was a winter wonderland into a slushy mess, prompting officials to pull the plug early. Fans of figure eights and hockey stops will have to hang up their skates and say goodbye to the outdoor chill until next winter rolls in.
Trying to keep the ice rinks cool, Mother Nature wasn't cooperative, with thermometers climbing way past what's acceptable for maintaining solid ice. Announced in a civic alert, the conditions have been deemed unsafe for the public, and presumably, even polar bears would find it a bit soggy for a glide. According to the city, "The City's outdoor ice rinks are now closed for the season."
Not all is lost for the ice aficionados of Apple Valley, as the doors of the Apple Valley Sports Arena remain wide open. Inside, skaters can still find their icy fix, as the arena promises a climate-controlled environment where the ice is guaranteed not to metamorphosis into a puddle. The arena is hosting Open Skating on Sundays until February 25, ensuring the local community doesn’t completely miss out on the seasonal fun.
For the town's winter sports enthusiasts, this is a definite setback, as many look forward to lacing up and hitting the outdoor ice each year. Yet, the City remains hopeful for a better season next year, with an official statement affirming, "We look forward to seeing you next winter, which will hopefully bring better ice skating conditions!" While they await the return of Jack Frost, residents can get more details on the available indoor skating sessions by visiting the city's website.
