Story perspectives

Nebraska Park Saves $1.65M with Innovative Skating Rink

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Michael Townsend of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Nebraska, chose a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surface for the rink to replace costly ice infrastructure.
The HDPE surface costs about $350,000, including maintenance, versus about $2 million for new compressors and pipes.
The surface mimics ice performance and allows use of regular ice skates.
The rink attracts about 7,500 skaters each season and demonstrates the switch's practicality.

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Story summary

Michael Townsend of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Nebraska, chose a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surface for the rink to replace costly ice infrastructure.
The HDPE surface costs about $350,000, including maintenance, versus about $2 million for new compressors and pipes.
The surface mimics ice performance and allows use of regular ice skates.
The rink attracts about 7,500 skaters each season and demonstrates the switch's practicality.