FARMINGTON — Weather conditions can wreak havoc on the scheduled Jan. 1-to-Feb. 1 opening of the ice skating rink at Hippach Field.

While posted signs state the target dates, Mother Nature plays a key role, Steve Shible, Farmington Recreation director, said.

After several doses of water, the rink needs more before Shible can open it to the public, he said Wednesday as workers and volunteers broke up “shell” or soft ice, preparing the rink for another douse of water.

Someone went on to the ice last night and left blade scratches, he said. With patches of grass still standing in the ice, Shible expressed his concern for the safety of someone who could catch a blade on thin ice or grass and be unnecessarily hurt. That’s the responsibility I feel, he said, even though the rink is gated and signs are posted that it’s not open yet.

The 75-foot by 150-foot rink is surrounded by 6-inch boards. The ice needs to be built up to the top of boards and smooth. The rink has already been flooded six or seven times.

“People can call for a progress report,” Shible said. He would rather they called than to just make their own way on to the ice before it’s ready and safe. The Recreation Department number is 778-3464.

Shible and his son worked Christmas day and Sunday hoping to get on top of the work including flooding the rink only to have a good 8 inches of snow fall on it Monday. A crew spent more than two hours clearing the rink and adding water Tuesday.

The down side is that 40-plus degree temperatures are predicted for this weekend, he said. That could cause another delay with the opening but workers are diligently doing their best so that the public can enjoy the rink and inside fire and hot chocolate, he said.

Working along with Shible Wednesday were Zac Conlogue, Matt Grover, Ashley Tetreault and Meaghan Donnell whose dog, Ella, sometimes found the slippery ice a challenge even on four legs as she ran around enjoying the late morning sun.

[email protected]