City of Columbia Missouri

P.O. BOX 6015
COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2015

CONTACT: Tammy Miller, 874-7465

Parks and Recreation Opens Ice Skating at Stephens Lake Park

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Parks and Recreation has opened Stephens Lake Park for ice skating. However, ice fishing at Cosmo-Bethel Park is NOT open, as the ice depth is not thick enough at that location.

The ice depth at Stephens Lake measures at least four inches which is the minimum required by the City before lakes open for ice sports. Ice depth is checked by drilling holes through the ice at several locations beginning from the shoreline and working toward the center.

The ice is not checked on the weekends, holidays or evenings, so the public should be aware that ice that was determined safe one day, may not be safe the next. Signs are posted indicating the lake is open; the signs will be removed when temperatures warm up and the lake closes.

The public is urged to exercise extreme caution on the ice and encouraged to follow these safety tips:

  • Never ice skate or ice fish alone.
  • Do not gather in large groups in one spot on the ice.
  • Ice skating and ice fishing are not allowed after dark.
  • Have a rope, ladder or pole available in case of emergency.
  • Warn others of dangerous conditions.
  • Be aware that ice thickness is not consistent; stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.  
  • Beware of ice around partially submerged objects, such as trees, logs, brush, embankments or dam structures.
  • Children should NEVER be allowed to skate or fish unsupervised.

For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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