Location: Maplewood Community Center, Northern Plains
Client: Maplewood Youth Hockey League
Timeline: 16 weeks (August – November 2024)
Scope: 8,000 sq. ft. of precision-leveled concrete slab for an outdoor hockey rink, plus decorative landscaping borders
The Story
When the Maplewood Youth Hockey League dreamed of a new outdoor rink, they didn’t just want a slab, they wanted a stage for slapshots, a canvas for crossovers, and a gathering place for their tight-knit community.
Our mission? Deliver a concrete base so flawless it could cradle ice like a pro, wrapped in landscaping that turned a utilitarian rink into a winter wonderland.
The Procedure
Groundwork & Grading
(Weeks 1-3)
Precision was the name of the game. We excavated the site, removing 6 inches of topsoil, then laser-graded the base to a tolerance of 1/8 inch across 8,000 square feet. A perfect plane means perfect ice.
Subbase & Insulation
(Weeks 4-6)
We layered 4 inches of compacted gravel and installed a 2-inch rigid foam insulation board beneath the slab to keep the chill where it belongs—on the surface. This step took extra time but ensures the rink freezes fast and stays frozen longer.
Concrete Magic
(Weeks 7-10)
With 180 cubic yards of low-shrinkage, high-density concrete, we poured the slab in a single, seamless 12-hour push. Embedded cooling pipes were meticulously placed for future refrigeration upgrades. The surface? Polished to a glass-like finish, ready for Zamboni glory.
Landscaping Flair
(Weeks 11-14)
Around the rink’s edges, we poured decorative concrete curbs stamped with a wood-grain texture, mimicking the nearby pines. Low planters with hardy evergreens added a pop of green to the snowy scene.
Final Touches
(Weeks 15-16)
After a 28-day cure, we applied a thermal sealant to protect against freeze-thaw cycles. The league tested the ice in late November—smooth as silk, tough as nails.
The Outcome
The Frostbite Arena opened just in time for the winter season, hosting its first game under a flurry of cheers and snowflakes. Skaters glide effortlessly on ice that owes its perfection to the concrete beneath. The landscaped borders? They’ve turned a rink into a landmark. Sixteen weeks of sweat and science gave Maplewood a legacy that’ll thrill generations of puck-chasers.
