That’s it, the ice is ready. A ice skating rink measuring 15 meters by thirteen, with a thickness of 8 centimeters, awaits amateur skaters on the Place Saint-Jacques de Compiègne. Or 15.6 cubic meters of water transformed into ice, by the company Synerglace.
But above all, 195 square meters available for Compiégnois in the city center, from Saturday December 7 from 10 a.m. until Sunday January 5. Entrance will be free, for sessions of 30 minutes.
It took two full days to turn 15,600 liters of water into ice. “Thanks to a system of pipes spread over every centimeter of the surface,” explain Dorian Brien and Kylian Filliette. Inside circulates glycol, a liquid which only freezes at -12.9°C.” Technicians send this liquid at a temperature of -12°C to allow the water in contact to freeze.
A refrigerated pipe system
“We send two thousand liters into the circuit,” explains Dorian Brien. It’s stored in a tank and a pump sends it under pressure into the network.” The glycol works day and night, even after the water is frozen. Otherwise, the ice cream wouldn’t last long.
This year, there is a heating system at a temperature of 30°C to melt the ice. Another Synerglace team will take over dismantling the temporary ice rink.
While waiting for the inauguration on Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m., in the presence of elected officials, the city services will manage the equipment, concerning the reception of the public. Skates will be available and wearing gloves will be compulsory.
Here are the opening hours for the Place Saint-Jacques ice rink
Outside school holidays
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
School holidays (December 23 to January 5)
Monday and Sunday: 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Exceptional closures
December 25 and January 1
December 24 and 31: closing at 4 p.m.
An ice rink and a toboggan run at Clos-des-Roses
In addition, the city will install a temporary ice rink and a toboggan run on Place Baudelaire in the Clos-des-Roses district of Compiègne. This equipment will be available Saturday December 21 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday December 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. With loan of ice skates.
On site: chalets, catering, inflatable structures, theatrical performance, artistic workshops, magician, clown… with Santa Claus.
