Skating ponds closed through December

The Parks & Recreation Department will have the red lights and flags out on all skating ponds through the end of this month, despite the cold weather. The public is asked not to use the ponds, as they haven't been checked for safe conditions.

All available crews are helping to clean up from the ice storm last week and no one will be able to check for safe ice conditions. The downed branches and continuing snow will make it even more difficult to clean the ponds in the future.

Under normal conditions, staff from the Parks & Recreation Department checks ice conditions daily at the three designated skating ponds: E. Swinney, Lakeside and Reservoir Parks.

More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park and McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.

For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.