Ice master Frank Zuurendonk is confident on this sunny Thursday afternoon. He has been responsible for the smooth surface in Haarlem for thirty years. Despite the fact that the earth warms up further and further, the job has only become easier over time, so he has to confess. “That has to do with the design of the ice rink,” he explains.
First season with an extensive roof
Last summer that interior changed considerably. The roof above the central area has been expanded in length and width. “That ensures that there is much less wind about the track,” says Zuurendonk. Before the redesign, the wind was like a hair dryer that made the ice melt. Which regularly led to peeing on the track. “Another advantage is,” says Zuurendonk, “that fewer sun rays end up on the track.”
That appears on a sunny day in March. The IJsterrein – despite the extensive roof still an outdoor court – is a cool Cocon in a summer Haarlem -Noord. As a result, the machines in addition to the job also have to work less hard than before. “I think we already have a saving of around 10 to 15 percent on energy costs,” notes director Rob Kleefman.
Another renovation
Ice rink Haarlem is open until March 30. During the summer break there is again renovation. This time the ice rink in the middle area, under the renovated roof, is considerably expanded in surface area.