Shaker Heights family man uses lawnmower to smooth makeshift ice rink

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - A Shaker Heights dad uses a lawnmower to create a makeshift ice rink for his children and others to enjoy near Boulevard Elementary School.

I came across the sight on Feb. 9 while looking for unusual winter weather stories. Out of the corner of my eye, a lawnmower was in action that brisk, snowy day. I said to myself, a lawnmower? Yes, it was, functioning in the coldest winter month of the season.

I knew I needed to drive over and get a closer look.

Heavy rain just days before had welled into a grassy area on Woodbury Road near Boulevard Elementary School, and with a major cold front sweeping by, it had turned into a rocky, jagged icy surface. Kids nearby thought it would be a good idea to try to play a game of hockey.

One of the kids' fathers, so he tells me, saw this idea on the Internet where you can take a wheel off a lawnmower and set the mower cutting levels to its lowest thus cutting the ice for a smooth surface.

Why not give it a shot, the adventurous father told me.

Jagged pieces of ice went flying all over, almost hitting me! The dad went round and round for hours until finally the surface was ready for action.

The kids seemed to love the makeshift skating/hockey rink. They had goals and nets ready, looking like real pros. I don't know who won, but I'm sure it was fun for them all.

How about that for creating some fun in the heart of winter?
-------

What's the most unusual thing you've done outside this winter? Tell us in a comment below.