Ice skaters leave Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink frustrated with the flooded arena after bad weather.
Cardiff’s temporary winter skating rink closed for five days because of the heavy wind and rain. “It’s over priced and the ice rink is more of a swimming pool,” complains sales consultant Tanyth Powell, one of the many upset about the funfair’s outdoor ice arena.
Tanyth will not be putting on her skates this season as she does not see progress from last year. “I don’t see anyone trying to push the water off. They should improve the drainage and cover it up.”
When contacted, the funfair’s management explained that clearing the water would also remove the ice. “Actually, we lose very few days to weather annually, but the mix of very high winds, rain and warm temperatures are the worst for an outdoor rink,” says Tim Powell (no relation to Tanyth Powell), the director of Orchard Media and Events Groups which runs Winter Wonderland. “Putting a roof would not stop the wind’s friction and you would lose that great outdoor sensation.”
Tim Powell suggests visiting the new Ice Kingdom while the weather does not improve. “There is still plenty to do on site of Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland.”
Finding inspiration in the flooded ice rink
Rain water on the ice made things so much better! @CardiffsWOWW #PhotoJstudent pic.twitter.com/OG6Q1xFgTP
— david allen (@dai_allen_photo) November 13, 2015
The water-filled rink inspired a photojournalism student. David Allen from the University of South Wales shared a collection of black and white pictures of the rink on Twitter.
“The rain on the ice created a reflection of the giant wheel which made for a great shot. Also that the ice skaters were making water ripples that just added to the view,” says David. His pictures were taken last Sunday right before the Ice Rink was closed due to safety concerns.