Columbia: Parks and Recreation opens ice skating at Stephens Lake Park

(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia Parks and Recreation has announced the opening of Stephens Lake Park for ice skating, located at 100 Old Hwy. 63. According to the department, the ice depth at the lake now measures four inches, meeting the minimum requirement for opening City lakes for ice sports.

However, the lake at Cosmo-Bethel Park is designated for ice fishing but does not currently meet the depth requirements to open. Parks and Recreation staff will continue to monitor the ice depth and open the lake for fishing once it meets the minimum requirements.

To ensure safety, Parks and Recreation staff regularly check the ice depth by drilling holes through the ice at various locations starting from the shoreline and working towards the center. It is important to note that these checks are not conducted on weekends, holidays or evenings. Therefore, it is advised that members of the public exercise caution as ice conditions can change quickly.

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Parks and Recreation also reminds individuals that these areas are not staffed, so it is crucial to use caution when participating in any activities on frozen lakes. Signs have been posted around Stephens Lake Park indicating that it is open for ice skating; however, they will be removed once temperatures warm up and lakes close.

The department urges extreme caution when engaging in any activities on frozen lakes and encourages individuals to follow safety tips such as never skating or fishing alone, avoiding large groups in one spot on the ice, refraining from activities after dark, and having emergency equipment such as a rope or ladder readily available.

It is also important to warn others of dangerous conditions and be aware that ice thickness may vary throughout different areas of a lake. Individuals should stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas, and darker spots that may indicate thinner ice. Additionally, caution should be taken around partially submerged objects such as trees or logs.

Parks and Recreation stresses that children should never be allowed to skate or fish unsupervised. For more information on ice conditions and safety, individuals can contact Parks and Recreation at 573.874.7460.

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