Ice rink is located behind 34 Collision

By Matthew Johnson

Reporter

Tucked behind 34 Collision on the eastern edge of Osage near the intersection of Becker County 48 and State Hwy. 34 is a resurrected community gem—the Osage outdoor community skating rink.

The rink, located on a small pond nestled down in a hollow away from strong winds and surrounded by trees, carries a local charm that evokes fond memories from Mark and Miri Larson’s childhood. The rink, however, had fallen into disuse about 15 to 20 years ago. The Larsons resurrected it shortly after purchasing the property about seven years ago. Many from the neighborhood, including their own children, have been enjoying countless hours on it each winter ever since.

“We grew up with stuff like this as a kid,” Larson said.

He indicated that it’s one great way for kids today to take a break from their screens, take in some fresh air and participate in some good old fashioned fun on the ice. Anyone, including hockey players, figure skaters and broomball players are welcome. Skaters can also warm themselves by a campfire. The rink is illuminated each night from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. and a project to add more lighting is ongoing, says Larson. 

A very warm, insulated camper donated by a local contractor serves as the warming house, but a larger space may soon have to replace it as more people learn about the community ice skating rink and its popularity continues to grow. An area inside the warming house has been set aside with a wide variety of skates where those who need to borrow a pair can try them on for size; some donated and some purchased from thrift stores. 

The rink was originally flooded in the 1960s by Rod Lydell. Lydell owned a local bait shop at the top of the hill for years. Locals would gather on the pond to skate each winter when the pond froze over. But, at some point, people stopped using it. It became overgrown. This latest revival, however, is carrying with it a renewed enthusiasm along with a nightly winter scene that some may say rivals a Norman Rockwell winter scene, a Terry Redlin painting or the charming cover of a Hallmark Christmas card.

Every week the ice is resurfaced. During one particular week the Carsonville Fire Department even came and unloaded 6,000 gallons of water. Larson uses a water tank on a trailer with a boom for his own homemade Zamboni. The apparatus is pulled around the surface to spread out the water for a quarter inch of fresh ice that is usually frozen solid within a couple of hours.

There’s even a sledding hill for kids who would rather go sledding like the Larson’s two grandchildren.