MINNEAPOLIS— After one winter season where Minneapolis Parks and Recreation spent more than $750,000 on one outdoor skating season that lasted only eight daysthe board wants to permanently eliminate five outdoor courts.
The board announced the plan in a budget proposal for the coming year, citing “uncertain climate fluctuations” and “rental costs” as factors for closing the rinks.
The rinks affected would be Lyndale Farmstead, Powderhorn, Webber, Windom and Matthews.
Minnetonka resident Matt Kuzelka is concerned that children will miss out on the opportunity to learn a sport that many Minnesotans love.
“When you lose those community jobs, you really lose the opportunity for kids to take up the game of hockey,” Kuzelka said.
The rink opened on Jan. 17 this year, but closed just eight days later as warm weather returned — part of the Twin Cities’ warmest winter on record.
Several park board commissioners did not respond to request for comment Friday.
Adam Duxter
