HPU's ice rink: everything you need to know

Now that the holidays are over and the cold weather is still lingering, it can be hard to find motivation to do, well, anything. The Christmas decorations are all gone, classes are starting back up and the stress of a new semester is setting in.

 

There is however, a little light in all of this darkness. It shines right by the baseball stadium and has been put there for our enjoyment.

 

The on campus ice rink is still here and is a great way to get rid of your winter blues. 

 

The idea started back in Nov. of 2020 when COVID was at its height. High Point University needed to figure out more outside activities for students to participate in and needed to abide by social distancing rules. 

 

It turned out to be such a success that the student leaders and faculty in charge, decided to bring it back for another year. This turned into a yearly occurrence and now has become an annual activity for students. 

 

“Our goal is for people to have fun and be safe,” said Bradley Taylor, HPU’s Senior Director for Campus Engagement. “We want to look at the positives.” Taylor and his team of student leaders have been working toward new events for the HPU community to enjoy. 

 

Things like a ‘how to’ class on ice hockey and curling, as well as ice skating lessons for those who want to freshen up their skills or just get out on the ice for the first time, are all in the works for this winter season. There are so many options out on the ice. 

 

It could even be the place for a first date. What an easy icebreaker.  

 

When the ice rink was first being built, we were in the middle of a hot month in Nov. Confusion erupted about how the rink was able to be built in such high temperatures, especially in North Carolina when temperatures are unpredictable and constantly changing. 

 

The secret is glycol, the main ingredient for antifreeze formulations.  

 

There are pipes that run all under the ice that pump glycol so the ice is able to stay cold in the warmer temperatures. There is also a chiller hidden behind the fun graphic wall that can be adjusted to how much glycol is needed when the temperature starts to fluctuate.  

 

The ice rink's first event was being a part of the winter wonderland night back in Dec. They had an overwhelming number of students who came out to skate and have had much success since then. 

 

The ice rink is open to all students and even the surrounding High Point community. Over Thanksgiving and winter break, HPU invited families from the local area to come and enjoy free ice skating. There have been around 4,000-5,000 participants who came out to use the rink when students were all home for the holidays. 

 

Taylor showed so much excitement when talking about the rink and everything he has planned for the upcoming months. He really wants to give students the best time and provide this special winter activity for us to enjoy. 

 

Taylor also wants to start giving campus organizations the chance to host events at the rink. The idea is still a work in progress but is another way to drive students to use the rink.

 

Students can plan on the rink being around until early March. Traffic on the ice has slowed down, but since the cold weather has continued these past weeks the hope is that students will come back to enjoy it. 

 

The rink is open everyday for students to use. All you have to do is sign a waiver and either rent a pair of skates, free of charge, or bring your own.

 

The rink is open Monday- Friday 6:00-9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-8:p.m.