Update 12/23/17
You can view Fox 59's coverage of the rink closure here: http://fox59.com/2017/12/22/perry-park-ice-rink-closes-early-for-the-season-due-to-repairs/
Indy Parks updated their original press release to provide more detail in the rink repairs. This press release was sent to user groups yesterday afternoon:
INDIANAPOLIS – Due to mechanical issues, Indy Parks is temporarily closing Perry Park Ice Skating Rink for the remainder of the season effective Friday, Dec. 22. Once repairs have been completed, Indy Parks hopes to reopen the rink in the fall of 2018.
“Although we want to keep the ice rink open longer, we must address repairs immediately to ensure the rink operates properly,” said Linda Broadfoot, Director of Indy Parks. “Since September we have experienced numerous days of the ice not hardening, making skating on it impossible. To avoid more closures, we are doing what’s needed to fix the problems right now.”
The process will involve thawing the ice and digging through the pad under the ice and the concrete before rebuilding the rink altogether. Once the specific issue has been identified, Indy Parks will begin repairs. Since September, the rink has been closed for several days at a time with the longest closure taking up an entire week due to the ice not hardening. The park maintenance team has ruled out any problems with the rink’s chiller system, which typically warrants a shorter closure period.
Located on the city’s Southside, Perry Park offers an outdoor pool, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground. The park’s National Hockey League-sized ice rink features four locker rooms and a concession stand. The rink’s season runs from September- March.
“If by chance we discover the issue can be fixed quicker, we will let our customers know. With the frequent closures and ongoing ice temperature changes, we anticipate repairs will last for several months,” said Broadfoot.
Through the holidays, Indy Parks staff will be available to answer questions about the ice rink’s status including connecting customers to other skating rink options.
Perry Park Customer Service Hours
- December 22-24: 12-4 p.m.
- December 27-31: 12-4 p.m.
- January 2-7: 12-4 p.m.
- Call (317) 888-0070
Indy Parks Customer Service Hours (in-person and telephone)
- December 22: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- December 27-29: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- January 2-5: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (On January 2, the customer service center resumes its regular schedule of Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)
- Call (317) 327-7275
- Visit: 1720 Burdsal Parkway (at Riverside Park)
- Email: IndyParksCS@indy.gov
For more information about Indy Parks and its services, visit indy.gov/parks.
Update 12/22/17 - 1:00 PM
In speaking with a couple of people close to the issue, INHockey.net has learned that the problem is not with the actual chiller, rather the coils underneath the cement floor of the rink. Apparently a glycol leak in those coils can only be isolated and repaired by removing part of the floor.
The city of Indianapolis invested in a new chiller for the rink this past fall and expected installation to go smoothly. Officials aren't sure if the leak was caused during installation of the new chiller or if the system's age is finally starting to show. Perry Park has been operating with the same system for nearing fifty years, recently using parts from the old Ellenberger facility to make repairs.
UPDATE: 12/22/2017 12:40 PM
“Although we want to keep the ice rink open longer, we must address repairs immediately to ensure the rink operates properly,” said Linda Broadfoot, Director of Indy Parks. “Since September we have experienced numerous days of the ice not hardening, making skating on it impossible. To avoid more closures, we are doing what’s needed to fix the problems right now.”
The process will involve thawing the ice and digging through the pad under the ice and the concrete before rebuilding the rink altogether. Once the specific issue has been identified, Indy Parks will begin repairs. Since September, the rink has been closed for several days at a time with the longest closure taking up an entire week due to the ice not hardening. The park maintenance team has ruled out any problems with the rink’s chiller system, which typically warrants a shorter closure period.
Through the holidays, Indy Parks staff will be available to answer questions about the ice rink’s status including connecting customers to other skating rink options.
Perry Park Customer Service Hours
December 22-24: 12-4 p.m.
December 27-31: 12-4 p.m.
January 2-7: 12-4 p.m.
Call (317) 888-0070
Due to some problems with a new chiller installation, Perry Park may be closing down for the season in order to make repairs.
In a letter sent to user groups on December 17th, the park manager stated "Due to needed repairs, the ice rink will soon be closed for the remainder of the season. This closure will occur the next time the ice melts or the system goes down."
Reports came in last night to INHockey.net that the resurfaced ice was not freezing. As of today, the park cancelled their public skates and was attempting to use dry cuts in order to keep the ice available for as long as possible.
Perry Park, an ice rink and pool facility operated by the city of Indianapolis, is home to about 300 youth athletes in the South Stars high school hockey club, the Junior Fuel South youth hockey program, and Sycamore Ice Skating club. The somewhat unexpected news has sent the hockey and ice skating programs scrambling for available ice.
INHockey.net is trying to get further details on extent of repairs and timelines. We'll add updates to this article as they come available. Save the link and check back often.
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