FARMINGTON — Shoveling snow from Thursday's nor'easter, a crew from Farmington Recreation Department continued their efforts to get the ice rink at Hippach Field open soon.

"It's almost round-the-clock work now," said Matt Foster, assistant Recreation Director, as the crew cleared the rink again Friday morning.

When it will be ready is uncertain.

Cold temperatures are needed, and they are expected this week. When temperatures are above 20 degrees in the daytime, it means water needs to be added after dark, or half the night, he said. 

Skating rink superintendent Madison Moody, who is also a student at the University of Maine at Farmington, put down water Wednesday night. He's put in a lot of hours and effort, just like he did last year, Foster said.

The large rink needs to be cleared and pretty clean before more water is added, so bumps and holes are avoided. The department wants to ensure everyone is safe on the ice, he said.

Normally, the rink is open during the month of January, but sometimes it starts earlier — sometimes it continues for a couple weeks into February, he said.

abryant@sunjournal.com