SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A warm start to the season may have delayed their opening, but that hasn’t dulled the excitement of skaters.
“Super excited. We’ve been waiting a long time. It’s a perfect day, little bit of snow, not too cold. Just right. So, excited to see them skate and have some fun,” said Ellie Bunde, mom of three.
Ellie Bunde and her kids skate often, but this season, they haven’t been able to skate outside- until today.
“Yeah, because I kind of like being outside better because there’s kind of more space and usually inside is more crowded because people want to stay warm inside,” said 9-year-old Piper Bunde.
The weather may be chilly, but it’s the perfect temperature to keep the ice solid.
“Well, the crews out here, they work overnight to make sure we’re capitalizing on the cold temperatures. They flood with hoses and then a crew comes in after them with the Zamboni to smooth it out to make sure it’s safe for skaters,” said Brett Kollars, assistant director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Sioux Falls.
Memorial Park is one of six outdoor skating rinks in Sioux Falls. All of the parks offer free skating and free skate rentals.
“So outside of our warming house hours or even during our warming house hours, you’re free to bring your own skates. Please do enjoy the space. And then winter warming houses that are open are our skates are available for checkout,” said Kollars.
