Sled Hill & Ice Rink

Sled Hill

Welcome to Hopkins Park Sled Hill information page! This your guide to help make use of the Sled Hill a safe and enjoyable experience. Fun fact: the Sled Hill is one of the highest points in DeKalb! According to the as-built drawing, the bottom flat of the hill is at 846’, with the top flat being at 898’, so an actual elevation change of 52’ By scale, the total run from the bottom flat to the back of the fence at the top is 330’.

Rules

• Bring your own sled!
• Users assume full responsibility for determining if the conditions are right for sledding.
• Guardians/parents are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children. No supervision is provided by the Park District.
• Use caution when sledding and be considerate of others.
• SLEDDING ONLY! No skis or snowboards allowed.
• Sledding is permitted only in designated areas and on the side of the hill designated for sledding.
• Do not build ramps/moguls on the Sled Hill.
• Sledding is a recreational activity that presents inherent risks. Sled at your own risk.
• NO SMOKING ALLOWED
• NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED
• Call 911 with emergencies

Ice Rink

The Ice Rink opens when weather permits. The temperature must be below 20 degrees for several days for District staff to be able to make ice. Temperatures must remain below freezing for the ice to remain skateable. The District will post notification on social media and here when the rink opens for the season and if there are seasonal closures. Skating on the Ice Rink when conditions are not right causes costly damage to the liner.

Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult, 16 and older.

Ice Rink Status

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the rink open?

The temperature must be below 20 degrees for several days for District staff to be able to make ice. Temperatures must remain below freezing for the ice to remain skateable. The District will post notification on social media and the RainOut Line when the rink opens for the season and if there are seasonal closures.

What is open skate?

Residents and non-residents are free to skate at their own risk during the hours of operations specified by the DeKalb Park District, which are daily, 30 minutes before sunrise until 10:00 pm when the lights are shut off.

Will the Ice Rink be supervised?

No, the Ice Rink is not staffed!

Where is the Ice Rink?

The Ice Rink is located at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, Illinois, in the north parking lot between Hopkins Pool and the tennis courts.

How much does it cost to skate?

Open skating is free! No admission required.

Can I rent skates on-site?

Skate rentals are not available on-site, and skates are required to enter the ice rink.

Is there an age restriction?

There is no age restriction for skating (with the exception of designated Ice Hockey hours), however, children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult 16 and older. Please also consider your health before skating. Pregnant persons or those with medical conditions are advised to exercise extreme caution.

Is there seating for spectators?

There are benches available to use!

Where can I park?

We recommend parking in the Hopkins Park Parking lot next to the playground or in the south lot. The Ice Rink is set up in the north parking lot and parking will not be permitted in this lot.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, there are portable restroom available by the playground year-round or inside the Hopkins Community Center (during open office hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm).

Are food and beverage allowed at the rink?

Food and beverage are allowed at the rink, but no food or beverage may be brought onto the ice. Please clean up after yourself using the on-site garbage cans!

Is there a concession stand on-site?

No, the DeKalb Park District does not offer any on-site concessions.

Can the Rink be used for hockey?

Yes. Hockey is only permitted during the select times: Mondays & Wednesdays- Middle School & Younger: 4:00-5:00 pm; High School & Older: 5:00-6:00 pm. Saturdays & Sundays- Middle School & Younger: 9:00-10:00 am; High School & Older: 10:00-11:00 am

How often is the ice resurfaced?

The DeKalb Park District Parks will resurface and groom the ice as needed. This will be determined by traffic on the ice and weather conditions. Ice resurfacing intermissions may take place at any time during public sessions and are usually in the morning. All skaters must leave the ice while it is being groomed and are not allowed back on until grooming is complete.

What type of clothing should I wear?

Ice skating is an outdoor activity and our rink is out in the open. We advise patrons to dress warmly and appropriately for the weather. No warming house is provided!

What do I do with personal belongings?

There are no lockers or storage locations on-site. The DeKalb Park District is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Only essential items that can stay on your person should be brought to the Ice Rink. All additional items should be left at home or locked safely in your car.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are welcome to the park, but absolutely no pets are allowed on the ice. They're not to be left unattended under any circumstance and must remain on a leash at all times. The police will be called if a pet is found unattended in the park.

I am in a wheelchair; can I go out on the ice?

Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice. For safety purposes, you will need to be accompanied by an aide able to walk the ice in rubber-cleated spikes or skate with you in ice skates.

I have another question not listed above. Who can I contact?

For questions regarding the rules, regulations, and use of the Ice, contact the District at (815) 758-6663 or email Superintendent of Parks, Mat Emken, at memken@dekalbparkdistrict.com.