Minneapolis Parks Board considers rink closures [Video]

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is considering closing multiple ice rinks because of climate impacts and finances.

In a statement, the board said they need to address a $1.5 million funding gap. To fix it they plan on reducing the number of ice rinks from 22 to 17 locations over two years, reducing recreation center hours during non-peak times by one hour per weekday, four additional federal holidays, and Sundays at five locations.

The board recommended shutting down rinks at Webber, Powderhorn, and Windom Parks at the end of the 2024/2025 season and Lyndale Farmstead in 2025/2026, with a possible fifth location.

The board’s Communications and Marketing Manager Robin Smothers said Powderhorn and Webber were chosen because they are built on water bodies, which makes it more challenging …