Memories of Spring Rock Park Ice Skating

Before 1958, Western Springs ice skaters were limited to using ponds in the Forest Preserve or other rinks in other suburbs. But, that year, the Service Club, which operated the swimming pool, decided to flood their adjacent parking lot to create a lighted rink for skating enthusiasts.

The idea must have caught on because, in 1964, the Park District set aside a large portion of lower Spring Rock Park for ice skating. In fact, three rinks were initially established, a large one for hockey players, a medium-sized one for experienced figure skaters, and a smaller one for beginners. The following year, the Western Springs Rotary Club donated sufficient funds to build a large, brick warming shelter, complete with a central fireplace (see first photo).

Ice skating flourished in Western Springs throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Before each skating season, the Recreation Department would stage a “skate exchange” where growing youngsters could trade in their “too small” skates for a larger size. Of course, once the rink opened, there was always a “turf battle” between hockey players and figure skaters. But ice monitors seemed to maintain some semblance of order. In addition, the Recreation Department and the Kiwanis Club even joined forces to stage an “Ice Olympics”.

But, unpredictable temperatures seemed to pose a growing challenge. Usually there was plenty of water which could be pumped from nearby Flagg Creek. But, without a hard freeze to first seal the ground, the water would simply soak into the soil. In 1994, the park district tried using a plastic membrane to retain the water, but with only limited success. And, in1995, low water levels in Flagg Creek, combined with a water main break in Spring Rock Park, kept the district from flooding the skating area.

In 1999, the district still made plans for the ice skating season, again using a plastic membrane. But, the big challenge was again water. With Flagg Creek nearly dry, the only other source would have been the fire hydrants in the lower portion of the park. But, the water mains were buried only 10 inches below the surface, precluding their use during sustained freezing temperatures. In addition, the prime time for skating was very short, usually December 15 through January 15. According to one official, “After that, it’s either too cold for most people to come out, or a warm weekend thaws out the ice”.

Soon afterwards, Spring Rock Park ice skating became just a memory and the warming shelter was closed for good. But, fortunately, while local residents may yearn for the “good old days”, free outdoor rinks can still be found in La Grange, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, and La Grange Park … temperatures permitting.

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org, or click on the author’s name shown above.