Wilmette Weighs Lifting Hockey Ban at Rink

Wilmette's third outdoor ice skating rink may take on a little different shape than the other two.

“We're considering a different kind of rink, one with back stops so kids can play hockey,” said Wilmette Parks District Commissioner Mike Murdock after a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee on Monday night.

In the past, Wilmette outdoor rinks allowed recreational skating only, and ice hockey was prohibited. But one is being considered for Thornwood Park.

But Commissioner Darrel Graham pushed for a hockey rink, noting the village does not have the demand for three figure skating rinks.

“I do think this is beneficial for the residents of Wilmette. It's rare that these other rinks are at full use," Graham said.

This winter, outdoor ice rinks will return to and , but a new one at  will replace the one at

“The West [Park] rink will be discontinued—it just wasn't getting enough use,” Murdock said.

If a hockey rink is constructed, boards will have to be put up around the perimeters or at least have backstops at both ends. But the committee did not have cost estimates for those projects and has put off a decision until August on the fate of hockey at Thornwood Park.