Ice skating opens at Stephens Lake Park

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Ice skating is now open at Stephens Lake Park, according to a Monday social media post from Columbia Parks and Recreation.

Ice skating opens at the lake when the depth of the ice is measured at least 4 inches, the post says. The post says Cosmo-Bethel Lake on the south side of town is not open for ice fishing because it is not at a 4-inch depth for ice yet.

“Ice depth is checked by drilling holes through the ice at several locations beginning from the shoreline and working toward the center. Our staff will monitor conditions and we will close the lakes once the ice depth changes,” the post says.

Ice is not checked on weekends. Parks and Rec also included safety tips, including making sure you never ice skate or ice fish alone; do not gather in large groups in one spot; not skating after dark (which isn’t allowed); bring a rope, ladder or pole in case of an emergency; be aware that ice thickness is not consistent; stay away from submerged objects and not allow children on the ice without supervision.