Being a good Canadian, I am trying to continue a family tradition. While in my childhood years, my parents were unable to build a backyard rink because of where we lived. But both of them have told me stories about how my grandparents would build backyard rinks and curling rocks from sections of tree trunks or coffee cans filled with water. How they were on the ice everyday after school playing hockey or curling. I am trying to continue this tradition, and fully enjoy being out with my kids playing hockey and practicing skating. Maybe curling will be next since attention to the sport has increase since the Olympics. I tell everyone how easy building a backyard rink is for what you get out of it. 

This is the second year at backyard rink building. This year’s rink has increased in size to 35’x55’. Construction materials include 2x4’s and 2x6’s with a 40’x60’ blue tarp. Maximum depth is 12” and the minimum depth is 3”. I live in Polk City, Iowa, which is approximately 600 mile south of the Canadian border. The picture is taken on January 4th 2003, our first day of skating. This year’s improvements: a Home-Boni that I constructed from PVC pipe, and a flooding wand, also constructed from PVC pipe. Next year I think I am going to try paint.  

Great job and thanks for the pic Murray.  I will send you some snow :o)