Outdoor Ice Skating

Current Outdoor Rink Status as of Jan. 17. Text SKATE to 847-448-4311 for an automated response.

Note: Indoor public skating is available at Robert Crown Center

General Information 

• It takes more then just a cold night and a lot of water to provide a good skating rink. It takes several days and nights of applying water during cold temperatures to have ice thick enough to skate upon.
• The ground temperature is also an important factor. The Public Works Department monitors frost depth and will make ice when conditions are appropriate and the forecast is for continued cold weather.
• Outdoor ice has imperfections and the condition of the ice can change quickly due to temperature changes, snowfall, etc. Please check the condition of the ice before you skate to make sure conditions are safe.
• Like all sports and activities, ice skating can be dangerous. By visiting the rink you are acknowledging such and are skating at your own risk.
• Ackerman  Park and Baker Park rinks have plastic liners. If someone skates when the ice is too thin, the blades may break through the ice and cut the liner. If the liner is cut, water escapes and it makes it harder for crews to make ice.
• In the winter months, Public Works crews work on the rinks (when conditions are favorable), Monday through Friday. They do not work on holidays or the weekends. During snow events, their first priority will be the removal of snow from City buildings' parking lots, sidewalks, and paths. The outdoor rinks will be cleared after snow has been cleared from these facilities.
• We anticipate the outdoor ice season to be mid-December through mid-February depending on the weather.
• Please be aware that there are no attendants on duty to supervise rinks and shelter houses will not be open.

Rink Locations:

• Ackerman Park, Central St. at McDaniel Ave. 
• Baker Park, Forest Ave. at Keeney St.
• Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park, Sheridan Rd. at Church St.

Sledding in James Park

Pursuant to the City of Evanston Municipal Code (Section 7-10-4), tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding are prohibited at James Park. Please note that sledding is also prohibited on the James Park large center hill. All activities at James Park are at the user's own risk.

Any participant, person who assists a participant, and/or spectator assumes all risks for all damage or injury to persons or property arising out of sledding. Users assume full responsibility for determining if conditions are safe for sledding. Adults are responsible for supervising children in their care.

The City of Evanston is not responsible for any damages or injuries to any persons or property arising out of sledding, tobogganing, skiing, and snowboarding at James Park.

Please be aware that there are no attendants on duty to supervise the sled hill and the shelter house will not be open.