Depending on the weather, Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel said preparations usually begin after Christmas near the New Year. With the abnormally warm winter finally giving way to below-freezing temperatures, ice is finally being laid down.

“What we need is consistent temperatures below freezing for multiple days in a row to get that good base down,” Schugel said. “We haven’t had that this year. It’s been so mild until right now.”

Currently, there are two rinks at Harman Park. One is traditionally for hockey and features wooden railings around the rink. The other is a fun area for any type of skating, with no railings or bars. Schugel said the process of getting these rinks ready has gotten better in recent years thanks to collaboration with other organizations.

“It takes multiple people,” he said. “Once we get established though we can have two-man crews flooding and taking turns. Starting last year we had the New Ulm Sleepy Eye Youth Hockey Association provide volunteers to help flood the hockey rink. Those volunteers have supplemented our staff and done a great job of helping us get skateable ice quicker.”

Ed Tietel (left) sprays water on an ice rink while Kyle Kuehn (right) mans the fire hydrant at Harman Park. Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel said typically two-man teams are used when putting ice down.

Ed Tietel has worked on the Harman Park Ice Rinks since 2005 as a member of the Park and Rec Department. He said he was able to learn from those who were veterans of the icing crew before him.

“They passed the torch and showed me all their tricks,” Tietel said. “I was lucky I started with some guys that have been around for a long time.”

Now nearly 20 years in, Tietel said every year is a different experience due to the weather conditions. He said every place has a different way of doing their ice. The New Ulm style uses thin layers of ice to ensure it freezes quickly.

“The warmer the weather, the longer it takes to freeze in between floods,” Tietel said. “The old timers I’ve worked with in the past said the biggest thing is we can make the best ice in five below to 10 above temps. That’s where it freezes quickly enough but not too quick. If it freezes too fast it doesn’t melt together.”

Tietel said working against the weather is the biggest factor in what he does. He said progress in laying ice could be great, and then melting temperatures could cause a backslide from all their hard work.

“I look at it as a challenge,” Tietel said. “I’ve been doing this for getting on 20 years and everything I do is outside. No two days are ever the same. You can’t change it, mother nature always wins.”

Even with all of the trials and tribulations, Schugel and Tietel both said it is worth it at the end of the day.

“This is one of the premier opportunities outdoors year-round,” Schugel said. “When we see those smiles on people’s faces and enjoying the winter season. We waited a long time for winter to get here this year. Hopefully, we have an opportunity to capture that for at least a few weeks.”

“It’s exciting for them to have the opportunity to go out and enjoy nature and skate and have fun,” Tietel said.

Schugel said it is currently unknown when the rinks will be open. When they do, they will be available during the park times of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Opening day will be announced ahead of time on the Park and Rec Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NewUlmParkandRec/