Call it a creative solution to a dangerous issue. Columbia City's park department is building a free, temporary, outdoor skating rink. They are finalizing work on the 80 by 90 foot rink at Morsches Park at the T-ball diamonds. Using a plastic liner they'll open a nearby water hydrant in the park to flood the surface. The ice will be about three inches thick when complete. Parks Director Mark Green says its largely experimental weather dependent. The project will cost about $1,000 total. Green hopes it will provide a safe alternative to the uncertain thickness of ponds in Columbia City.
