"This is my third attempt at creating a backyard rink . The first two times I never used boards or a tarp. All I used was a sheet of plastic and snow for the sides, but results were mixed.

Finally I went out and purchased 2x6 lumber and a huge plastic 30x40 blue tarp. I reinforced the joins of the frame between each board with smaller pieces of board nailed to each side of the 2x6 pieces of lumber. Then all I did was haul the tarp over the boards and tucked the excess in underneath the boards.

I filled the area with water over three nights and it turned out great. Now the kids and myself are skating and playing a game of shinny almost daily.

Plans for expansion are already in place and I hope to add another twenty feet in length next year and maybe add a few lines and goal creases. This is the best year yet and the weather here in our area is ideal so far with little snow and cool temperatures."

I think Frank will agree that the second half of January was not that great in our neck of the woods. Nice job Frank. Thanks for the pic.