Synthetic ice rink coming to Pontiac

(Preparations are shown this week for the downtown Pontiac ice rink)

You know winter is right around the corner when the Pontiac ice rink starts to go up downtown.

The platform is being installed south of the courthouse, according to Gary Beckman of the Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department.

“This year it’s going to be a little different as we’ve got a synthetic ice rink,” Beckman explains. “We don’t have to worry about it melting or water on the ice.”

A synthetic ice rink is a skating surface made from a polymer solid material which mimics the properties of real ice. Synthetic ice does not require constant maintenance or freezing conditions and it is room temperature.

This means the rink will be open more than in years past as it can pretty much be used any day. Beckman is hopeful to have it operational in the next week or so.

Beckman said as temperatures start to drop outside, more people start to head inside to the Pontiac Rec Center. Volleyball leagues are underway and basketball signup is ongoing.

“Pickleball is always growing and that’s moving in,” notes Beckman.