Posted on: December 27, 2022

Below is an update on the status of the rinks as of Thursday, December 29 at 9am.

Newton Park:
The rink at Newton Park is closed. Warmer temperatures have diminished the ice and made it unsafe for skating. This natural rink does not utilize refrigerant coils. Updates to the status of ice safety conditions at Newton Park will be posted at gepark.org/hotline.

Lake Ellyn & Lake Foxcroft:
Lakes will open for skating once the ice reaches the 6-inch thickness required for safe skating. However, the surfaces are currently covered in snow and the District is unable to get large equipment on the ice (including snowplows) to remove snow/groom until the thickness reaches 8 inches. As with previous years, if conditions allow including ice thickness (6 inches minimum, surface conditions, snow volume, and safety), small equipment could possibly be used to clear a portion of the ice for skating, but the surface may be rough and conditions not ideal.

As a reminder, Lake Foxcroft and Lake Ellyn are two very different bodies of water. Just because one might be open does not mean the other is able to be open. Please refrain from throwing debris onto the ice surface and absolutely no ice fishing. Both actions further complicate the District’s ability to provide safe and quality ice skating. For the most current status of ice safety conditions at each lake, visit gepark.org/hotline.

Polar Plaza: The synthetic rink at the Polar Plaza has been cleared of snow and is open for skating. For more information on the Polar Plaza, visit gepark.org/polarplaza.

Updates will be communicated with the public through the District’s hotline at gepark.org/hotline as they become available. Updates are made on the hotline only when ice conditions change.