Ice skating is getting more and more popular in the United States, and with good reason. The United States offers 1900 indoor ice hockey rinks, which are convenient and consistent — often available year round — as well as 500 outdoor ice hockey rinks, which operate on a seasonal basis in colder climates. And over the course of the 2013-2014 season, over 500,000 people registered as hockey players, according to USA Hockey; that’s more than ever before.
Ice skating is a great skill for people young and old to cultivate. It’s a great work out, because ice skating uses the majority of the muscles in the body. And you can use the skill for all kinds of things, whether you’re playing hockey, figure skating, or just gliding around the rink at the local mall, or your very own backyard ice rink.
If you live in a cold climate and enjoy ice skating, a home ice rink could be just the thing for you and your family, or even the whole neighborhood. There’s something about casual backyard sports that brings people together, and it could really boost your children’s social lives. 65% of those who participate in youth sports say they’re involved because it allows them to spend time with their friends.
A back yard ice rink will also help to foster a pure love of the game in your children. 71$ of those participating in youth sports say they don’t care about the score, and wouldn’t mind if you no score was kept. With backyard rinks, you don’t have to worry about the ref, the score, or the crowd. It’s just you, your friends, and the game.
And maybe even your parents! Think your teens don’t want to have anything to do with you? A backyard ice skating rink could bring your family together for healthy, wholesome fun. Believe it or not, 67% of teens in the United States say they would like to spend more time with their parents; give them an opportunity with a skating rink that can gather your family together at last.
If it sounds like a backyard ice rink could be great for your family and your community, there’s one important item you definitely should include in your budget and your planning. You’ll need backyard ice rink tarps, to protect your rink from debris and keep it smooth and safe. Backyard ice rink tarps also prevent sleet and snow from piling up and ruining the surface of your rink. Without backyard ice rink tarps, your rink could easily be useless. But if you remember the backyard ice rink tarps, your rink could last for many seasons to come!