Examining the Year-Round Impact of Seasonal Ice Rinks

Temporary ice skating facilities have emerged in numerous urban areas nationwide; however, their influence on continuous, year-round skating activity remains a question. The United Kingdom possesses fewer than 60 permanent ice rinks in total, with only five situated in the southern region. These include two in Hampshire, two in Berkshire, and one in Oxfordshire. Operating permanent rinks incurs significant expenses, primarily due to the substantial energy consumption required to maintain frozen ice throughout the year. Nevertheless, these facilities serve as venues for sports like ice hockey and figure skating. According to owners of temporary ice rinks, cost savings can be achieved compared to permanent facilities by distributing expenses across their entire operational setup, which includes elements like food stalls, rides, and other attractions. Billy Williams, the Managing Director of Reading’s Winter Wonderland, stated that his temporary ice rink achieves cost efficiency by allocating expenses across the entire event, encompassing other rides and stalls. He commented: “There’s not one power supply just for the ice rink, we share everything so it’s split, so we could lose the power costings on the rides or other equipment.” Historically, permanent ice rinks frequently received partial funding from local councils. However, elevated energy expenses led to the closure of some facilities as a cost-saving measure, resulting in a greater number of privately funded rinks currently. Mr. Williams remarked: “If they close an ice rink they know they’re going to save a fortune in power, straightaway, as soon as they flick that switch they’re saving money” While temporary rinks might present a more economical option compared to permanent venues during the holiday season, the scarcity of year-round facilities poses a significant inconvenience for skating enthusiasts such as ice hockey player Hannah Driver. She requires a facility that operates continuously throughout the year for her own training and for other figure skaters. Previously, she played at the indoor ice rink in Basingstoke, which is presently undergoing refurbishment and is closed. Consequently, she must now travel almost 50 miles (80km) to reach her closest ice rink in Gosport for her sport. “We’re under the impression that it’s only going to be closed for a few months but we don’t know the extent of the damage just yet,” Ms Driver stated. She also mentioned that she has been unable to meet her ice hockey friends during this period of closure. Matt Foord, representing Ozone Ice Rink in Bracknell, indicated that the ice at his venue requires continuous chilling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He stated: “Energy costs are just extortionate, especially with energy prices going up but then there’s hidden costs, like things like staffing costs and maintaining the building.” Mr. Foord characterized temporary rinks as “a double-edged sword,” explaining that while they contribute to fostering interest in ice skating, they can also “take skaters away from us” during the Christmas season.