[Press Release] : Ice skating open at Stephens Lake Park

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Tammy Miller, Parks and Recreation - (573) 874-7465

Ice skating open at Stephens Lake Park 

COLUMBIA, MO (February 8, 2007) -- Columbia Parks and Recreation has
opened Stephens Lake Park for ice skating for the public. Also, as of
today, the lake at Cosmo-Bethel Park remains open for ice fishing. Both
activities are free to the public.

The ice depth at both Stephens Lake and Cosmo-Bethel Lake measures at
least four inches which is the minimum requirement by the city before
the lakes open for ice sports. Ice depth is checked by drilling holes
through the ice at several locations beginning from the shoreline and
working toward the center. 

The ice is not checked on the weekends, holidays or evenings, so the
public should be aware that ice that was determined safe one day, may
not be safe the next. Signs are currently posted at both locations
indicating they are open; the signs will be removed when conditions
change and the lakes are closed. 

The public is urged to exercise extreme caution when either skating or
ice fishing and encouraged to follow these safety tips: 
* Never ice skate or ice fish alone.
* Do not gather in large groups in one spot on the ice. 
* Ice skating and ice fishing are not allowed after dark. 
* Have a rope, ladder or pole available in case of emergency. 
* Warn others of dangerous conditions. 
* Be aware that ice thickness is not consistent; stay away from
cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that
signify thinner ice. 
* Beware of ice around partially submerged objects, such as trees,
logs, brush, embankments or dam structures.
* Children should NEVER be allowed to skate or fish unsupervised. 

Stephens Lake Park is located at the corner of Broadway and Old Highway
63. Cosmo-Bethel Park is located at 4500 Bethel Street. For more
information, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460.

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