Grab those skates, for a one-of-a-kind experience outdoors on ice! Now that the temperatures have dipped consistently below freezing, the ice conditions are just right to skate or play hockey at the Eclipse Lagoon on the campus of Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd Street, Rockford.

As of last Friday the community was invited to enjoy open ice skating or open hockey at Eclipse Lagoon daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting and when conditions are safe.

To find out about Eclipse Lagoon skating conditions, call (815) 987-8858 or visit Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – Rockford Park District on Facebook. 

The ice needs to be at least 4 to 5 inches thick for the Eclipse Lagoon to open. Rockford Park District staff will check the thickness of the ice daily, and signs alerting residents of the conditions will be posted on site.

Hockey is available at the north end of the lagoon only. Goals are provided and available on a first come, first served basis.

Heated restrooms are available at the outdoor pavilion.

Bring your own skates; no rentals on site. Ice skating and hockey at the lagoon is free.

For more information about Eclipse Lagoon, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lagoon.