Planning Design

CHOOSING YOUR RINK SIZE

Custom Ice specializes in rinks of all shapes and sizes, and can install them virtually anywhere!
With private ice rinks being relatively new to the majority of the population we have included some useful information below to help you choose the rink size best suited for you. Alternatively, please feel free to call Custom Ice, toll free 1-866-887-8840.

1. 1. CONSIDER WHAT THE RINK WILL BE USED FOR – Before choosing the size of your rink, it is important to consider what you would like to use the rink for.

Will it be strictly for the family to use as a recreational skating surface?
Will it be used to train the goalie in your family?
Custom fabricated for the size and shape of each specific ice rink
Do you want to be able to play 3 on 3 with your pals?
Would you like a rink in your local park for your community to enjoy?

These uses, and many others, will help to determine the size of the rink that you should consider.

2. 2. DETERMINE THE AVAILABLE SPACE – Custom Ice will custom fit your rink to your available space and needs.  While portable rinks can always be made bigger in future, permanent rinks cannot.  When planning for a permanent rink, consider what it will be used for and remember your kids will keep getting bigger. Portable rinks cannot only be enlarged; they can also be installed in concrete later.  For families with smaller children (2-6 years), it may be better to start with a smaller portable “Roll-Out-RinkTM” and expand it later. See the chart below for available sizes and suggestions.
   
   

   Size	Availability	Comments
   Less than 800sq.ft. 20’ x 40’ or smaller	Portable installed Do-It-Yourself Kit Pool Rinks Indoors or Outdoors	Suitable for goalies to train and families with small children (ages 0 – 5yrs), or learning to skate. Small available area or possibly over in ground pool
   1400sq.ft. to 3200sq.ft. 28’ x 50’ to 40’ x 80’	Portable installed or Do-It-Yourself Kit Permanent Sport Pad Indoors or Outdoors	Suitable for training and families with young children (ages 6 – 18yrs) or kids 3 on 3 and recreation. Sport pad is suitable for basketball or pickle ball in summer.
   3840sq.ft. to 7200sq.ft. 48’ x 80’ to 60’ x 120’	Portable installed Permanent Sport Pad Indoors or Outdoors	Suitable for training and families with young children (ages 6 – 18yrs) and adult 3 on 3 and recreation. Sport pad is suitable for basketball, lacrosse or tennis in summer
   More than 7200sq.ft. 80’ x 180’ to 85’ x 200’	Portable installed Permanent Sport Pad Indoors or Outdoors	Suitable for communities and municipalities. Can be used for full hockey games or ball hockey and lacrosse in summer.

3. 
   FIND A SUITABLE LOCATION – Sometimes the choice is obvious, and other times you have the space available for many possibilities.  If you are trying to decide the best location for your rink be sure to consider the following:

1. a) A more level area will minimize ground leveling and excavation work
2. b) A nearby or underground water line will reduce effort when flooding the rink
3. c) Proximity to a warming area or skate change hut can be important
4. d) Keeping away from large tree roots saves excavation work and prevents damage later
5. e) If space permits, choose a suitable location off to the side rather than overpowering your yard with the rink in the middle
6. f) Keep enough space on all sides for ground maintenance and snow removal

 

2. EXISTING SPACE vs. BUILDING OUT – When considering a rink indoors, try to find an existing clear span space that can be rented or leased to save on capital building costs. Building a building to house a rink can be extremely expensive. Custom Ice can help you research alternative options, such as fabric structures or steel buildings, and put you in touch with the right people.

3. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS – Snow removal, ice maintenance, and installed costs are also important considerations when determining the size of rink best suited for you.

 

We would be pleased to help you plan the ice rink of your dreams.  Please, feel free to contact us with any questions toll free at (866) 887-8840 or by email at info@customicerinks.com.

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