Mount Greenwood residents can look forward to the community’s outdoor ice rink opening on Nov. 27, according to the Chicago Park District. After an erroneous email suggested the rink might remain closed this winter, district officials clarified that the message was a miscommunication by an employee and that the rink will operate alongside the agency’s four other seasonal sites.
Park District Response
A spokesperson for the district said the agency is aware of the community’s concerns and reaffirmed the Nov. 27 opening date. Signage posted inside the Mount Greenwood Park fieldhouse at 3721 W. 111th St. confirms the schedule, and preparation work – including ice‑making equipment setup – will begin about three weeks before the opening, as weather permits.
Local Officials Weigh In
Alderman Matt O’Shea (19th Ward) told Block Club that the district’s statement puts the matter to rest. “The Park District is on record stating that this was a miscommunication by an employee,” he said, adding that any future reversal would prompt a very public response.
Rink Condition and History
The Mount Greenwood rink, built in 1997, is an unshaded, permanent outdoor facility with tubing embedded in a concrete enclosure – a design that typically endures 20 to 25 years in the Midwest climate. No repairs are currently planned, and the district expects the rink to function normally for this season.
Community Impact
The rink serves as a hub for local families, offering learn‑to‑skate and youth hockey programs that have operated for decades. Coach and program administrator Bob Lesch, a retired firefighter who runs Chicago Mount Greenwood Hockey, expressed relief that the rink will remain open. He noted that the program helps children as young as four develop basic skating and hockey skills through ten‑week sessions.
Lesch also mentioned that, should the rink close, the program would face higher rental costs at the Morgan Park Sports Center and might need to explore alternatives in nearby Evergreen Park. For now, registration for the upcoming learn‑to‑skate school will be held on Nov. 13, 6:30‑9 p.m., at the Mount Greenwood Park fieldhouse.
Looking Ahead
While the rink’s chiller compressor has required temporary rentals in past winters, the district’s plan to operate the facility this season reflects its commitment to providing affordable recreation for Chicago families. Residents are encouraged to watch for further updates from the park district as the opening date approaches.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
