The backyard Ice Rink project has begun!

[CRUZTAKER]

Working on an 11 degree slope over my entire property makes everything complicated. Those of you that have been to my place understand well!
I relocated a section of perenials from an area of about 70 x 10 and went to work digging in today.

We graded into the slope hoping to just move the dirt around and create a slope at the far end. However, at 24' wide, the dig in was nearly 4'.
We back filled the opposite side about a foot to avoid going deeper into the hill.

I now have a relatively level play area of 30 x 70.
The rink that I will build next month will be finished size 24 x 50.
I have 80' of 10' tall hockey grade net that should enclose nearly entire area.

The kit I intend to use is made by 'NiceRink'.
I decided against creating my own, and go with a professionaly designed rink with heavy non-rip underlay, sides, caps, and braces.
I'll get goal nets off eBay.

I also need better lighting.
I have a 20a circuit at one corner, but the two flood lights I have now just aren't enough to light the entire area.

Here is the dig, and the remainer are on my flikr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cruztaker/4035375141/in/set-72157622642591646/

The kids...and I...are soooo psyched for a cold assed winter!!!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4035375141_2e1bab98db_o.jpg

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[justbob]

Thats gonna be awesome Barry! I'm jealous! Didn't you try a homebuilt one last year?

[LordVader]

Pretty cool. I remember back in the "ice age" when I was a kid we had a parks recreation guy who did that in a portion of the local park so in the winter time we could ice skate. I can ice skate better than I roller skate. There aren't any cars out there on the ice.

[SILVERSURFER03]

hey that is slick sir or it soon will be

[pantheroc]

Barry, I'll be over, don't forget to make the built in beer coolers in the ice.

Depending on ice thickness, you can install some outdoor LED xmas lights (will not melt the ice like reg lights) for under the ice lighting. Find some clear tubing to put the string of lights in. Be sure to use GFCI outlet! Diff colors for lines etc. etc......

[Ken]

Wish that I knew how to ice skate, that sounds too cool!

Ken

[TAKEDOWN]

Bring on the Hockey!!!!

[FastMerc]

Wow that is a neat project.What a great dad your kids have. :)

[Spectragod]

I found some accessories for your project.....

http://www.govdeals.com/eas/itmDisplay.cfm?itemID=246&acctID=125

[CRUZTAKER]

I found some accessories for your project.....

http://www.govdeals.com/eas/itmDisplay.cfm?itemID=246&acctID=125


Bawaaa!
Glycol refigerant the size of a semi trailer lol!!!:P
I think I may need a permit for that.

Spread grass seed today. It rained for a day an half shortly after grading and now I have a mud rink! The grass should take before the build in lat November.

I already have a plan to 'plant' several 4x4x10 posts for a trolly lighting system over the center of the rink, and electric for two sets of double hid flood lamps. The poles will also serve as a hold for guy wires that will hold 10' by 40' nets that will cover 75% of the rink and keep pucks from launching into the netherlands of snow and bushes.

This is what I am working toward....

http://www.nicerink.com/company/2009/images/BillNinteau_1232775683_1.jpg

[FastMerc]

Bawaaa!
Glycol refigerant the size of a semi trailer lol!!!:P
I think I may need a permit for that.

Spread grass seed today. It rained for a day an half shortly after grading and now I have a mud rink! The grass should take before the build in lat November.

I already have a plan to 'plant' several 4x4x10 posts for a trolly lighting system over the center of the rink, and electric for two sets of double hid flood lamps. The poles will also serve as a hold for guy wires that will hold 10' by 40' nets that will cover 75% of the rink and keep pucks from launching into the netherlands of snow and bushes.

This is what I am working toward....

http://www.nicerink.com/company/2009/images/BillNinteau_1232775683_1.jpg
Holy crap you can invite the monsters over for practice!Bring on the Zambonie... :D

[RoyLPita]

Are you gonna buy a Zamboni?

[massacre]

Awesome project

[Ken]

Are you gonna buy a Zamboni? Or modify the Focus?

[CRUZTAKER]

Ok...I haven't posted in awhile in regards to the project.

Unfortunately, at a practice session two Fridays ago, Gage was feeling his oats and decided to practice boarding and layed me out nicely.
I tore the meniscus in my left knee. Now I have two bad knees...sucks being old. I am upright and getting around fairly well, but still have some swelling and the pain is 24/7.

I had to order a pre-made kit rather than construct my own due to this setback. We are going with a final size of 24x50. It should arrive via truck some time next week and Fastmerc is coming over to help me pickup 4x4's for perimeter netting and lighting.

On the plus side, the area I seeded has peach fuzz already due to the delay in building, so we will not be fighting mud as we thought this year.

Proud dad needs to share some cool pics I took at the last couple practice sessions...He is suited #87 on the Flyers. :cool:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/4106326865_4114464690.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4107090304_3810f37b08.jpg

Uhh...I don't believe he took that kid out in the back groung lol...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4107090764_08cbc1dc0c_o.jpg

He is big this year....but next year, he will be with 9-10 year olds and need to pull his weight big time.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/4107090986_6340af1324_o.jpg

[Pops]

Barry Linda will take him on! He better watch out for the girls.;)

[ImpalaSlayer]

thats cool Barry, i know nothing about hockey or even ice skating but it seems pretty neat!

[guspech750]

I just bought a regulation size steel hockey net in hopes of teaching my 7 year old daughter how to play. I have played all my life but the last 3 or 4 years I have not due to my chronic back issues. So the next best thing for me is to teach and maybe coach. Id rather teach the skills though. So far so good. My daughter loves it!! Awesome project!

[CRUZTAKER]

The rink arrived today via truck!

Now to get started putting this beast together.
The instructions are written...seven pages...NO diagrams...this shoould prove interesting.:rolleyes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4120127975_23732f9078.jpg

[CRUZTAKER]

Next step starting tomorrow is getting the 4x4's up for lighting and netting.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/4136501958_e653f4bfd1_o.jpg

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[CRUZTAKER]

Holy crap it snowed 4" last night!

Made a real pita to dig post holes today.
So did the act I live on a glacier bed.:rolleyes:

Got two of ten holes dug and sleeved.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Holy crap it snowed 4" last night!

Made a real pita to dig post holes today.
So did the act I live on a glacier bed.:rolleyes:

Got two of ten holes dug and sleeved.


dang, its just starting to get cold round here. i bet that was fun digging through frozen dirt.

[CRUZTAKER]

Phew...!
What a day.
I managed to dig and sleeve all ten post holes today.
It started to snow a moment ago during the last concrete pour.

I ended up renting a larger hammer drill as several holes were nearly solid sand stone.

These sleeves will accomodate the removable 4x4x10's and 8's for lighting and netting. The sleeve depth for the 10' footers is 2' and 19" for the 8' footers. The holes will be capped in the spring and be quite hidden by grass.

I am going to start the lighting project this week.
I decided to go with metal halide after reading terrible feedback in regards to the new outdoor flourescent perimeter lighting failures with rain and cold weather.

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[Blk Mamba]

how thick will the ice be? that hammer drill is too much work, should have used explosives.

[a_d_a_m]

+1 on explosives.
If nothing else it's fun to blow **** up.

[martyo]

Hurry up already!!!!!


I am waiting for pics of my boy Gage skating with a big ol' smile on his face!!!!

[TAKEDOWN]

Talk about a C00L project!

[CRUZTAKER]

how thick will the ice be?

The minimum depth will be 4".
I have the area pretty damn level, but there is a spot that drops off a bit.
I expect the depth will be over 6" in that spot.

I estimate 4,200 gallons of water needed.


Hurry up already!!!!!
I am waiting for pics of my boy Gage skating with a big ol' smile on his face!!!!

I am working as fast as I can, but as of late everything is breaking around here and I can't keep up with all the repairs. Grandpa was in the ER twice this week and underwent an emergency gall bladder removal that was near gangrenous as he ignored it for nearly a week.:eek:

We're still in high 50's during the day and and mid 30's-40's at night.
I won't lay the liner until we maintain low 30's and high 20's at night.
Too many deer on the roam that might try to walk into the arena.

Once we maintain 20's at night and expect a string of teens it a go.

I still have a shat-ton of building to do.
I want to build a penalty box, and an area to sit and change into skates.
I am using old skids from AT&T than bays came on. They are 3'x10' and perfect for walk ways once covered with rubber to protect skate blades.

[FastMerc]

We need to put up that, Keep that dam deer out fencing up!

[CRUZTAKER]

I got one side netted today.
Boy, there sure is a learning curve to hanging netting.
One side took nearly 3 hours.
The other side should go up in 45 minutes.

Dayum! It was 34 today and in the 20's at night.
I need to get this done as the pool is frozen already...it's time baby!!!

All the poles are up and I am just waiting for the second Mercury Vapot light to arrive next Tuesday. I don't want to lay the liner until the lighting is up in the middle.

I also built the penalty box and entry platform. But failed to take pics.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4161846078_aea9551fa2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4161090345_fb90be6e29_o.jpg

[FastMerc]

Well that is shaping up nicley

[martyo]

Wayyyyy Coooool!!!!!

[Seneca]

Looking good barry!

[Bluerauder]

Hats off to you, Barry!! You know how to do a project right. :up: Gage is gonna love it. So, where's the electronic scoreboard and the jumbotron gonna go. ;)

[Ms. Denmark]

Nice pictures Barry.....great kid! So sorry about your OTHER knee! Only stretched my meniscus a few years back and was off my feet for nearly 5 weeks. I feel your pain.:(

[dakslim]

Barry, you must be a hoser, eh?:bows:

[CRUZTAKER]

So, where's the electronic scoreboard and the jumbotron gonna go. ;)

Funny you should ask..... :hide:

Electric is in and fill lighting is working!
Just need those big mercury vapors to arrive soon.

[Mike]

Great job Berry!! Can't wait to see the finished product :banana:

[CRUZTAKER]

I went outside with the tripod to document the fill lighting that was done today.

It will be far brighter by next weekend.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4164075105_c9b5660f92_o.jpg

[CKMustangCobra]

First off.... I love home projects like this.

Second... if the pool has already froze over... why not just skate on that?

:)

[Marauderjack]

Ya gonna have a Zamboni???:confused:

[MM03MOK]

For the next picture, put my little buddy Gage in the middle of the rink so we can get a perspective of its size! :wave: Gage!! Aunt :bunny2:

[martyo]

For the next picture, put my little buddy Gage in the middle of the rink so we can get a perspective of its size! :wave: Gage!! Aunt :bunny2:

That is what I said!!!!

[Bluerauder]

Ya gonna have a Zamboni???:confused:
Too small for a Zamboni. Barry's is working on getting a Zambini. ;)

[Marauderjack]

Too small for a Zamboni. Barry's is working on getting a Zambini. ;)


Ha Ha.....Zambini!!!:D

[CRUZTAKER]

Too small for a Zamboni. Barry's is working on getting a Zambini. ;)


Yupper...

I am getting what they call a "resurfacer".
I drag it along the ice.
Our rink is roughly 10,000 sq. feet.

The resurfacer works on any surface. It makes ice like glass, in less time, less water and less hassle than just the hose.
Thin controlled applications of water result in super smooth ice on any rink.
The 52" Model is recommended for rinks 4,000 to 10,000Sf.
http://www.nicerink.com/store/images/P/niceice1-02.jpg

[CRUZTAKER]

For the next picture, put my little buddy Gage in the middle of the rink so we can get a perspective of its size! :wave: Gage!! Aunt :bunny2:

Well...can't go in the middle yet...not without waders that is!

The rink is filled, the lighting complete, and guess what?
The teens are gone already and it's in the 40's and raining.:(

Just waiting for cold weather now and building the benches and warming area now.

Here's a pic that gives somewhat of an impression of size.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4183577016_e73274a5d5_o.jpg

[MM03MOK]

Very cool!!!

[n00bkiller944]

Thats awesome!!! Your kid better be the next Ovechkin with a set up like that!!!

[martyo]

Very cool!!!

I concur with the lady from Massachusetts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

[CRUZTAKER]

Thats awesome!!! Your kid better be the next Ovechkin with a set up like that!!!


I don't know about that...sounds like a great retirement for me though.:P

He played his first sanctioned game this past Saturday.
Against my alumni, the Euclid Panthers.
He was very nervous, and subsequently held to zero. His team was crushed 7-2.

But Sunday, against a very physical North Canton team he was much more fluid and comfortable. He tied the game twice, scored the Hat Trick, and assisted two. They came out with a 5-5 tie.

His teams second string average 5-7 years old and many have no clue as to how or what to do on the ice.

Gage and his three friends pretty much carry the team and often he is required to play a double shift. Very hard for a young man on full ice for 4 minutes.

My hat goes off to him!

[FastMerc]

That is so cool I bet Gage luvs it.I s it foze yet not today I bet,lol

[CRUZTAKER]

We are finally semi-frozen!
I estimate we are nearly 4" frozen thus far.
With temps in the teens and twenties expected over the next ten days, I am hoping for opening day on or around Christmas day.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/4194002096_0e1e8ef163_o.jpg

The penalty box.
It still needs the rest of the protective covering (it's on the way), and a good coat of paint next year.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4194002174_9ea47de6ed_o.jpg

This is the changing area and enter/exit site.
It too needs the remaining top protection foam.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/4193243533_7e1726a7f3_o.jpg

I am builbing a fire pit area for warming those tosies!

[Bluerauder]

You have to be the coolest Dad in all of Cleveland .... maybe all of Ohio. :2thumbs:

How much are tickets to the opening game? Got a rink sponsor yet? ;)

[n00bkiller944]

You are a damn good dad sir!

Edit: Charlie beat me to it lol!

[Dr Caleb]

Looking good! Needs deep snowbanks. It's just not the same if some hotshot doesn't have to dig for a half hour because they decided to take a slapshot!

[Joe Walsh]

Holy mackeral Barry,
When you do a project, you DO IT RIGHT!!!!

:bows:

[jdando]

Looking good Barry!

[CRUZTAKER]

Looking good Barry!

J...seriously....send more cold my way!:P

Keep the snow. Teens and single digits will suffice.

Five days and only 3" or so frozen depth. :alone:

[Joe Walsh]

J...seriously....send more cold my way!:P

Keep the snow. Teens and single digits will suffice.

Five days and only 3" or so frozen depth. :alone:

You sure you don't want 16-24" of blizzard!?!?!....:eek:

[CRUZTAKER]

You sure you don't want 16-24" of blizzard!?!?!....:eek:


Snow is useless...and actually requires me to remove it asap or it will pock mark my polished smooth ice surface.

Snow = fail
single digits = game on!

[DEFYANT]

Awsome project Barry!! Very impressive!

[CRUZTAKER]

Woohoo :woohoo:

The rink ice holds our weight as of tonight.
Gage and I both practiced for a bit tonight after shoveling the snow off the surface.

Sucks it's supposed to be 45 and rain on Christams day.
That will take two days to recover from that fiasco.

Pics to follow tomorrow.

[CRUZTAKER]

You asked for it!

Today December 23rd, 2009, was the grand opening of the Glassner Family Arena.

GFA Garden is open for business!:banana:

Gage (Wild) and Joey (Western Conference), are breaking it in.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4210068360_d08d6fab74.jpg

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[martyo]

Yes sir!!!! Now that is what I am talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[jdando]

Go Wild!!!

[Bluerauder]

Today December 23rd, 2009, was the grand opening of the Glassner Family Arena.

GFA Garden is open for business!:banana:

Great name for your completed project. :2thumbs: I bet Gage and friends have been "all smiles" for the past couple days.

[Joe Walsh]

Barry, that looks awesome!

I'm sure that you are the "coolest Dad" in the neighborhood.

Now, I need some help...I've started my own ice rink...but it just isn't turning out like your project;

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_0940.jpg

It seems a bit 'spotty' and thin in certain areas;

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_0939.jpg

[CRUZTAKER]

Now, I need some help...I've started my own ice rink...but it just isn't turning out like your project;


It's amazing what a garden hose left in the street over night will accomplish... :hide: LOLZ!!!

It's just that the reflective quality of the asphalt is lousy.

[CRUZTAKER]

OK....WHO SENT THE DAMN WARM AIR TODAY!!!! :mad2:

SERIOUSLY....WTF....

It's Christmas Day, and it's 50 degrees with 40 mph winds...and RAIN!!!!

The rain wasn't so bad.
A little squeegee here, a little shovel out there, and the extra 3/4 inch of rainfall was easily removed. (I don't like layered ice - and that 3/4 will would have been f'd up after a re-freeze).

The warm didn't matter much either.
Over the last 48 hours of well over freezing temps I only lost a 1/4 inch of top ice.

It was the wind out of the south east that baffled me all day and into the evening. It kept blowing the next years buds out of this tree in the front corner of my lot. Normally this tree is not an issue as the prevailing winds are always north-north west.

I had to squeegee all day to keep the buds, leaves, and dirt debris off the ice so as it would not eat into my top layer and get frozen into the ice.
Those items once in the ice will act as little radiators during a sunny day and literally thaw their way through the ice creating worm holes, cracks, and bumps.

Please....please send some cold our way!
The ice is clear, smooth as a baby's ass, and ready for a top layer re-freeze.
We are itching to skate again!

[CRUZTAKER]

Here is a bit of low res video from my cell I shot last night.
Beautifull night at 28 degrees.

Back to the BS of 38 degrees and rain today.:depress:
Next five days in the teens...so we'll be back in no time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cruztaker/4231665661/

[jdando]

Let me know if you need some cold temps! :snowman: We have -6 F tonight and -16F tomorrow night.

[CRUZTAKER]

Let me know if you need some cold temps! :snowman: We have -6 F tonight and -16F tomorrow night.

Do it!

Best we'll get is 16 tomorrow night...but the ice is killer at 16.
That's the temp most indoor ice is kept.

[Marauderjack]

Let me know if you need some cold temps! :snowman: We have -6 F tonight and -16F tomorrow night.

You gotta be TOUGH JD!!!:cool:

[CRUZTAKER]

We have had the misfortune of getting persistant lake effect snow over the last 9 days. Nearly 30 inches total of the fluff. It really hinders any play on the ice and results in a back break for me.

It's been a wonderfull 12-22 degrees now since New Years Day and we actually hit 4 last night. The winds are now out of the East and it's sunny skys since noon yesterday.

My home made zambini pumps 146 degree water and creates a surface like glass. Pics to follow.

Here are some shots from the last of the snowy evenings a few days ago.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4262780002_85198f9fcf_o.jpg
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[Dark_Knight7096]

Wow, this is the first time I'm seeing this, this is AWESOME!

[pantheroc]

Love the Chiefs jersey!

[CRUZTAKER]

Love the Chiefs jersey!

I went through hell to get that!

There is one company that owns the rights to everything from that movie and they are in Canada.

That's a youth large with his name and current player number.
Cost an arm and a leg to customize and in his size to fit over gear.

He wears it at practice games.

[CRUZTAKER]

Thank goodness for a couple cold nights!

We had a great evening tonight and everyone was able to hit the ice.

I never realized it, but we were told by the manufacturer that when it warms up in Minny the kids just wear shoes on the ice if the skates tear it up.

Soooo...I guess I was over worried.

We are expecting near 50 this weekend and that's not bad actually.
Since we have lost so much top ice, I need to fill the rink.
However, the rink CANNOT be filled from the top.
It needs to be filled from the bottom, and the ice therefore raised.
This can only be done once the sides break free and the ice floats.
Another 7 days of this crazy warm weather and it just might.

We hung our nations flags tonight for the teams playing for the Olympic Gold next February.
Not sure why Gage appears angry....but the flags look really cool in person.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4291311745_518c33df32_o.jpg

[Mr. Man]

It's his game face, silly:lol:

[CRUZTAKER]

I have had many requests to show how I zamboni our rink.
Here is a short video:

WuzIP6ZcJJQ

[Cheeseheadbob]

Very cool! I was wondering if you were using hot water, but got the answer right at the end. I grew up playing mostly on outside rinks in North Central Wisconsin. You should have seen some of the ingenious contraptions made out of various pieces of farm machinery used to resurface the ice. Not a one would pass any modern OSHA inspection, but they got the job done. Some of the towns I played in were, Eagle River, Tomahawk, Rice Lake, Rhinelander, Wausaw, Mosinee and of course my home town of Stevens Point. Man, those were the days... Thanks for bringing back the memories!:beer:
I have had many requests to show how I zamboni our rink.
Here is a short video:

WuzIP6ZcJJQ

[MM03MOK]

Nice job, Bear and Gage!