The Oak Lawn Park District is excited to announce the reopening of the Oak Lawn Ice Arena on Wednesday, January 14, following a comprehensive renovation project. Skating and hockey programs will resume and are now open for registration. The first open skate will take place on Monday, January 19 from 1:15 to 2:45 pm. Admission is $8 per person, with skate rentals available for $5.
Upgrades to the facility are highlighted by a brand-new international sized (100 x 200 feet) ice surface, complete with new dasherboards, seamless glass, and protective netting. Beneath the ice, a completely new concrete floor system has been installed, replacing both the cool and warm floor layers to ensure long term durability and consistent ice quality.
The arena’s refrigeration system was also entirely replaced with modern, energy efficient, and safety focused equipment. This upgrade includes new ammonia compressors, brine pumps, a new control system, a safety shower, leak detection system, evaporative condenser, snow melt pit, pump, storage tank, and variable frequency drives. The project also included the replacement of the sanitary main in the arena area and new electric feeders to the refrigeration system.
Additionally, visitors will notice a fresh paint job, new lobby graphics, seating, and rubber flooring leading to the ice rink. Also new, the penalty boxes and scorer’s table have shifted to the opposite side of the rink, allowing for more space for patrons near the lobby.
“We are incredibly proud of the improvements made to the Ice Arena,” said Tom Hartwig, executive director. “This project represents a major investment in the long-term future of this facility and in the skaters, families, and teams who call it home. We thank the community for their patience and are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the ice.”
Located adjacent to the Oak Lawn Park District Administrative Center, the Oak Lawn Ice Arena (9320 S. Kenton Ave.) offers year-round skating opportunities for hockey players, figure skaters, and recreational skaters. The arena also offers comfortable seating for up to 1,100 spectators and a spacious viewing platform overlooking the ice.
Additional amenities include party rooms available for birthday parties, family gatherings, and business meetings, as well as private ice rentals. A concession stand serving lunch and dinner items during select hours, vending machines, and locker rooms are also available.
For more information about public skating, programs, or rentals, visit www.olparks.com, call 708-857-5173, or email icearena@olparks.com.
