As the cold weather settles in, more and more people head to skate around Soldiers Field Park

Key Takeaways:

• Colder temperatures boost ice activities
• Last winter’s record warmth limited sports
• High turnout at Soldiers Field Park
• Families renew winter traditions
• Increased curling events in the community

Winter’s Chill Brings Ice Sports Back to Rochester

ROCHESTER — Winter 2024-25 might not have provided much snow so far, but it has packed enough cold to open more opportunities for ice-based activities than last year. As another blast of arctic air settles in to start the week in Southeast Minnesota, residents are embracing the chance to get back on the ice.

A Stark Contrast to Last Year’s Warmth

Last year was the warmest winter on record in Minnesota. That left winter sports enthusiasts on the sidelines. “The track was frozen enough for two weekends of skating last winter,” said Annie Ellis of the AccessABLE Recreation branch of the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department. One of those weekends warmed enough to create slushy conditions on the track, she added.

Soldiers Field Park Becomes a Hub

This winter has already provided families more opportunities to get on the ice, parks staff said Sunday. Parks staff were met with lines Saturday and Sunday when they opened the skate rental and warming shack at Soldiers Field Park. “Well over 100 people took advantage of the city’s free ice skate lending on each Saturday and Sunday open skating sessions from noon to 3:45 p.m.,” Ellis noted. The line continued to stretch out the door as people put on their skates.

Families Flock to the Ice

“We are thrilled we can skate this year,” said Tricia Sommers, who brought her three children to the Soldiers Field ice skating oval on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. “Some of us are more thrilled than others,” added her daughter, Izzy Sommers, 7, pointing to her little brother, Levi, also 7, who was laying in a snowbank next to the oval track, apparently ready to leave the park. “We’ve come every year but last year,” Tricia said.

Caleb Paarmann brought his kids, wife, and mother for skating Sunday. He said it’s fun to have opportunities to be active outside in winter in Minnesota and wanted to take advantage of the oval at Soldiers Field. Paarmann mentioned he went a couple of times last winter but was disappointed the weather didn’t offer more opportunities than that.

Revival of Other Ice Activities

The colder weather has also kept the city’s hockey rinks frozen and busier this year. The Curling Club of Rochester has held more outdoor open curling events on its outdoor ice at Little Thistle Brewing Co. so far this year. The club’s outdoor bonspiel tournament was completed without weather interruptions over the weekend as well.

Looking Ahead

As colder temperatures continue, the community hopes for sustained opportunities to enjoy these cherished winter activities. The revival of outdoor ice sports not only brings excitement but also reinforces traditions that many in Rochester hold dear.