Taichung ice rink closed two days after opening due to water supply issues

The newly opened ice rink at Taichung's Beitun National Children's Sports Center, touted as the largest south of Taoyuan, has been temporarily closed just two days after its grand opening. The facility, which officially launched on July 3rd, announced a halt to operations on July 5th, leaving many eager skaters disappointed.

Sports Bureau Director You Zhi-xiang explained that the closure was caused by an insufficient water supply. Construction work by the water company had led to reduced water pressure, preventing the ice from achieving the necessary thickness and hardness for safe skating. This issue arose on Saturday, July 4th, prompting the decision to close the rink on Sunday.

Officials have been in active coordination with the water company to address the problem. You confirmed that the water company has agreed to adjust its supply to ensure adequate water flow to the sports center. The Sports Bureau will conduct inspections to verify that the ice meets the required international standards before reopening the facility.

The Beitun National Children's Sports Center, built at a cost of $910 million NT dollars, features a 61-meter by 30-meter ice rink designed to international specifications, with a target ice thickness of 4.5 centimeters for optimal athlete safety. The temporary closure has raised questions about the quality control and operational readiness of the facility, despite its state-of-the-art design.

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Water supply was insufficient due to pressure reduction from the water company's construction, making it impossible to form ice. We have coordinated with the water company to increase the water supply. If the water intake is sufficient today and the hardness is up to standard, it will be opened.