Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Cameron Bronstad (black helmet) and Kevin Escalante (red hood) practice shooting goals at the Harman Park ice rink, Wednesday.

NEW ULM — The outdoor ice rink at Harman Park is open while the weather will allow.

Wednesday afternoon, the ice was used by young hockey players Cameron Bronstad and Kevin Escalante. With temperatures at 34 degrees Fahrenheit, above the freezing point, there was some concern the rink would melt, but the ice remained solid all day.

Escalante said was near perfect. With the warmer weather and no wind, it was great skating conditions.

Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz said the city has been working off and on to maintain the ice at the rink. Staff is at the mercy of mother nature. If the weather is too warm, the ice won’t freeze. If it is too cold, staff can’t work outside to flood the rink.

Schmitz said the staff was unable to maintain the rink during last week’s blizzard condition. However, this year Park and Recreation have partnered with New Ulm/Sleepy Eye Hockey Association. The association provided a rink liner to keep the water from draining off the rink. Volunteers will also help maintain the ice. This liner has already helped keep the ice in place, at least for the time being.