Owatonna’s Announces New Outdoor Winter Skating Amenities

The City Owatonna announced in a recent press release that winter outdoor ice-skating options provided through Owatonna’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department are expanding this season! Two rinks in different parts of the city are expected to open later this month, weather permitting!

Skating at Buecksler Park – bring your own skates

The City of Owatonna shares that this there will be a new “70- by 160-foot skating rink at Buecksler Park, 1755 Smith Avenue. This 4.3-acre wooded area was accepted by the City of Owatonna in 1991 from a private donation to create additional park acreage. The park was named for the family who donated the land. Access to the park, which is undeveloped, is via Smith Avenue.”

What is important to note about this area is that no attendants or amenities other than benches are available for skaters at this location.

Skating and warming house at Morehouse Park – rent or use your own skates

Once again, this year following a decades-long tradition, Morehouse Park will offer a warming house and full-service skating rink.

River skating will be available depending on ice conditions. Warming house hours are posted at the facility. A new rubberized mat sidewalk has been installed connecting the Chalet to the north pond to create better access on skates. The City of Owatonna partners with Martin Equipment to provide cross-country ski and skate rentals and concessions. City staff will provide assistance to skaters on these outdoor skating areas this year.

The City explains that “both rinks are expected to open by December 28. The City Council, at its December 20 meeting, approved an agreement with Martin Equipment.” For updates on rinks and hours, call Owatonna Parks and Recreation at 507-444-4321, visit owatonna.gov, or follow the Facebook page.

Other winter recreation options provided by the City of Owatonna include cross-country ski trails from Morehouse Park to Lake Kohlmier and throughout Kaplan’s Woods and Brooktree Golf Course. These multi-use trails are packed and groomed for traditional and skate skiing and are available for fat tire biking.

All information is credited to the press release from the City of Owatonna. Thank you to the city, as well as The Parks, Trails, Recreation & Facilities Department for existing to enrich the quality of life for the community and visitors.