Arguably the best part about all this cold weather is finally here, outdoor rinks are starting to be cleared for use.

Officials with the city of Red Deer have been working hard and John Eastwood, Parks Amenities Supervisor,  is expecting most rinks in the county to be ready by Friday.

He says his crew has been working evenings to flood and clear the ice from the heavy snowfalls we received early this winter.

“We still have our night crew on and they keep flooding through the evening as well, so that hopefully keeps the depths that we have if not gain on them. It's not going to be that warm so we should be okay, the sun is a bit of our enemy.”

A reminder, he adds is to always wear a helmet, and to be wary of warmer temperatures since melted ice could cause divots.

“Our target is to hopefully be done by the end of the week here and have them ready to go.  It was kind of a trying season to get them done, with all that snow.  but our team did a wonderful job and so we're not too behind.”

Approximately six inches is when the ice is typically ready for use says Eastwood, but to be sure he says there will be nets and lights on the rinks in Red Deer that are available for use and if not then it’s not quite ready yet.