Skaters, get on your marks!
It's any day now for outdoor ice skating in Minneapolis parks and on lakes.
Warming houses are up and ice now spans most city lakes, but facilities won't be officially open until ice conditions allow.
Skating is offered — as are free loaner skates on a first-come, first-served basis — at many outdoor locations.
Opening day will be announced on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website, www.tinyurl.com/89lqday. Information is also available on the park board's telephone hot line at 612-313-7708.
Lake skating is offered at Lake of the Isles, Powderhorn Lake and Lake Nokomis. Ice on lakes should be at least 4 inches thick to support foot traffic, according to the Minnesota DNR, which offers ice safety information at www.tinyurl.com/yagahq9.
Donations of ice skates and hockey sticks are welcome. Call your community rec center for information.
Bill McAuliffe
