Ice ribbon to be closed for estimated three weeks

SPOKANE, Wash. — The ice ribbon in Riverfront Park remains closed for a mechanical repair, and according to the City, it could take at least three weeks to restore ice to the ribbon.

A vessel that connects to a compressor has a crack in it and needs to be replaced.

Without this equipment, staff at the ice ribbon have been unable to maintain ice since Saturday afternoon. Existing ice has been removed from the ribbon.

The manufacturer has to build a new vessel and ship it from Toronto, after which it will need to be installed, safety tested, and permitted before new ice can be developed.

On Saturday afternoon, the Spokane Fire Department responded to an alarm indicating an ammonia leak at the ribbon. Ammonia is used in the ice-making system.

Fire officials evaluated the rink immediately and detected a leak in a mechanical room. No guests were exposed, and no injuries have been reported. Ammonia gas can burn the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs if inhaled.

Previously, ammonia was smelled in the mechanical room, but an alarm wasn’t triggered. The manufacturer was called onsite, and found and repaired the source of the leak. On Saturday, a contractor detected a new leak. The system was restarted, and a welder attempted to patch the leak, but determined it was beyond repair.

“Along with citizens, we are disappointed that we’ve lost ice for a time. But safety is always our top priority. We are working diligently with experts to ensure a safe experience before re-opening, and utilizing all resources to do that this season,” said Leroy Eadie, Director of Parks and Recreation.

The City will share more updates when they become available.

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