Construction of a temporary ice skating rink in the centre of Palmerston North began today.

More than 20,000 people are expected to don skates for a slip and slide on rink in The Square this month.

Owner Gareth Webber said the 35-metre by 15m rink  about half the size of an ice hockey rink  was scheduled to open on Saturday.

Mr Webber said the rink, which will take about a day to construct, would be put together in stages.

Firstly, a layer of fine dirt was put down and levelled out, while a layer of polystyrene was then placed over the dirt, and a sheet of polyurethane put on top, he said.

Aluminium tubes are then are positioned on top  a few centimetres apart  where cold fluid will run underneath the pipes.

A chiller keeps the fluid at -12 degrees Celsius.

About 45,000 litres of water is poured over the pipes and it freezes into a solid hunk of ice.

"I think we should get a minimum of 20,000 people but I'm hoping for 30,000 in the month we're open,'' he said.

"It's a great experience. I've been known to have a skate after hours.''

The rink would be semi-covered by a marquee and lit up with "ambient lighting'' and fairy lights.

"It's not a kids disco though. It's meant to be a peaceful experience, so there will be ambient music playing also.''

Mr Webber said a number of assistants working at the rink had ice skating and hockey experience. A coach had also been hired for free after school lessons on Mondays and Thursdays.

For unlimited time on the ice, as well as hireage of skates, adults would pay $20 and children $15, with a family pass costing $50.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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