During the six weeks that the ice arena is closed, the ice surface is melted to prevent a frost build up and to allow the pipes to be inspected. Due to heavy usage seven days a week, this is also an excellent time to paint and make repairs. The last 10-12 days of maintenance is devoted to bringing back the ice.
Approximately 10-12 days before the rink re-opens, the chillers are turned back on to cool the sand. Once the sand is cold, it is sprayed with water to freeze the base then left alone to harden over the weekend. Over the next two days, thin layers of water are applied until the ice measures about 1 inch thick. Next, the entire ice surface will receive two coats of white base paint followed by a layer of water to seal.
The Thursday before the rink opens, the hockey lines and circles are applied and sealed. The remaining 1 to 1 1/2 inches of ice will be applied in thin layers over the next three days, allowing each layer to freeze before the next layer of water is applied. Once the ice has reached it's desired thickness, it is allowed to harden for an additional day or two before opening the doors to the public the day after Memorial Day.