Ray Rorick Park in Mason City should be a great family fun spot over the winter months.|
The Mason City Parks & Recreation Department has recently paid some special attention to Ray Rorick Park, and it is starting to show.
Installation of water service to the ice skating rink was completed about a month ago. That means once temps stay cold enough for 4-5 straight days, the ice can be set in the playing area of the rink. “It takes about 40 hours to do that,” says interim Parks and Recreation Director Brian Pauley. He says the ice has to go in one layer at a time and then it must be smoothed over after each layer is added.
Electric service was completed to the ice rink area in the middle of October. That means night hockey and ice skating for the public. “We are planning on smoothing the boards around the ice, making them a little nicer and safer,” said Pauley.
Another great addition will be a warming house right outside the ice rink. The City acquired an old garage and has moved it into position to be set upon a concrete slab foundation, a few feet from the ice rink. Right now, the garage needs a lot of work. “We’re going to fix that up quite a bit. We will add plywood for walls, some benches, a heater, patch the roof,” according to Pauley. “It will be great for kids to stay warm out there if they need it.”
